Chidambaram Temple also known as the Thillai Nataraja Temple, is one of the popular pilgrimage sites of South India, situated in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. The temple is 78 km south of Pondicherry and 235 km from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu in southeastern India. This temple is dedicated to the lord Nataraja (Shiva). Chidambaram temple has ancient roots and a Shiva shrine existed at the site when the town was known as Thillai. So, it’s also known as the Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram.
However, Chidambaram city is also popular, which means “stage of consciousness.” The temple architecture symbolizes the connection between the arts and spirituality, creative activity, and the divine. According to archaeologists, the temple was built in the 10th century, when Chidambaram was the capital of the Chola dynasty. This temple has a unique place among the devotees of Lord Shiva.
Chidambaram Temple Darshan Timings
Let us tell you that Chidambaram Temple was built in the Chola architecture. The temple houses one of the five fundamental Lingas in the Shaivite pilgrimage tradition and is considered the most subtle of all Shiva temples (Kovil) in Hinduism. It is also the venue for performing arts, including the annual Natyanjali Dance Festival on Maha Shivaratri. Because of the significant temple of Shiv Devotee, thousands of devotees visit this temple every month. Most of the people, performed the Abhishekam in this temple to get the blessing of Shiva. In this detailed guide, you will get all the information related to Special Darshan ticket booking & cost at Thillai Nataraja Temple.
| Name of Temple | Chidambaram Nataraja Temple |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| Location | Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu |
| Architecture | Chola architecture |
| Created by |
Cholas, Pandyas |
| Governing Body | Chidambaram Nataraja Temple Trust |
| Main Deity | Nataraja (Shiva) |
| Significance | Foremost temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, symbolizing the union of spirituality, art, and science. |
| Time Required | 4-5 hours to complete Darshan |
| Booking Process | Offline Modes |
| Temple Timing | 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| Darshan Schedule |
|
Chidambaram Natarajar Temple Schedule 2025
The Chidambaram Natraj Temple offered various Pooja, Darshan, and Aarti. It’s performed in a different time- frame.
| Offering Names | Timings | Details |
| Morning Darshan | 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 PM | Every Day |
| Evening Darshan | 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | Every Day |
| Paal Nivedhyam | 6:30 a.m. | PADHUKA (Lord’s footwear) is brought from palliyarai to sanctum sanctorum in a palanquin |
| Maha Aarthi | 7:00 a.m. | – |
| Kalasandhi Pooja | 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. | First pooja of the day, including kala sandhi homam, spatial linga abhishekam, and maha aarthi |
| Irandaam Kaalam (2nd Pooja) | 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. | Spatika linga abhishekam & Rathna sabhapathi (Rubi Natarajar) abhishekam |
| Uchikaalam (3rd Pooja) | 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 | Spatika linga abhishekam and aarthi; the temple will be closed after this pooja |
| Saayarakshai (4th Pooja) | 5:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | Spatika linga abhishekam and shotasopachaara aarthi |
| Irandaam Kaalam (5th Pooja) | 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | Spatika linga abhishekam, chidambara rahasya pooja, and maha aarthi |
| Ardhajaamam (6th Pooja) | 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | Last pooja of the day |
Procedure for Special Darshan Tickets Booking Online
Chidambaram Temple is one of the famous Shiva temples, so a huge number of devotees appear for darshan annually. The temple has outstanding crowds and gatherings for various offerings Like Darsha, Abhishekam, and other significant rituals. From this point of view, the administration has introduced Special Darshan facilities for devotee who wants to get thick and easy darshan. But, they have to pay the price for this special darshan.
However, devotees searching for an Online Darshan Booking facility, but there are not any official online booking facilities available for Darshan remarkably. You all have to visit the temple-authorized ticket booking counter. The temple administration has set the basic fare for the special darshan. The temple has a ticket counter in its premises and the pilgrims can book for the Darshan after coming to the temple. In the future, if darshan goes online, it will be available on the official website @chidambaramnataraja.org.
Chidambaram Temple Abhishekam Cost
The Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu also offered the Abhishekam for devotees to worship the Lord Natraj. But, this is the most demanding and important ritual of the temple. The details of Abhsikam are given below;
| Abhishekam Days | Performed Daily |
| Ticket Cost | Rs. 72000 |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Allowed Person | Family Allowed |
| Timings | 10:00 am and 8:00 pm |
Helpline Number
| Address | Thillai Nataraja Temple Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu – 608001 |
| Phone Number | +91 9443635280 |
| Email ID | [email protected] |