About Chidambaram

Chidambaram is one of those temples where you will find Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu enshrined under one roof. This temple is also known as the Thillai Nataraja Temple and the Chidambaram Thillai Natarajar Koothan Kovil. Chidambaram Temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, but it is of religious importance to both Shaivites and Vishnavites.

The main deity, Shiva, presides here in the form of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, or Cosmic Dancer. The consort deity here is Sivakami Amman. This temple is also one of the famous Five "Pancha Mahabhoot Sthalam" temples, which represent the five classical elements, and the Chidambaram Temple represents the element "Akash" (Sky). According to Hindu mythology,

Once, Shiva was strolling in the forest of Thillai with Vishnu as his consort in the form of Mohini. In the same forests lived a group of sages who became enraged when they saw their wives enchanted by the beauty of this couple. They evoked snakes, tigers and demons, but to no use as Shiva made snakes his ornaments and used the skin of a tiger as his wardrobe.

He immobilised the demon and began performing the Anand Tandava dance on its back. Seeing all this, the sages surrendered and realised the truth of Shiva. Shiva is also known here as Kothan, meaning "The Lord of Dance."

This temple also enshrines other deities, including Lord Vishnu in the form of Govindraja Perumal, Murugan Swami, Ganesh, and Shivakami Amman. Spread over 40 acres, the Chidambaram Temple is also known for its architectural significance, in addition to its religious value.

The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has Lord Shiva in three forms: one is the anthropomorphic form as Nataraja, the second is the "semi form" which is the Crystal Shiva Lingam, and the third one is "formless" as Chidambaram Nataraja Temple Rahasyam, symbolised by an empty space within the sanctum sanctorum. Chidambaram Temple has seven-story high nine Gopurams and five Sabhas, and also houses several water bodies.

Best Time to Visit Chidambaram

The best time to visit Chidambaram is from November to February, which is the winter season. The temperature ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. 

March to June is the off-season due to the hot, humid weather. Chidambaram experiences less crowd at that time; however, you could travel on a budget for the same reason. The temperature in Chidambaram is on the higher side, ranging between 30 and 40 degrees. 

On the other hand, July-September is the monsoon season, which is moderately crowded. The rain during the season is likely to disrupt your sightseeing journey.

How to Reach Chidambaram Town?

By Air: Tiruchirappalli Airport, a domestic airport, is the nearest to Chidambaram and is 170 km away. Chennai International Airport, located 230 km away, is the nearest international airport.

By Train: Chidambaram city lies on the route connecting Tiruchirapally (Trichy) and Chennai, so it is well connected by Rail as well.

By Road: Chidambaram is well connected to other cities by bus services. You can easily reach Chidambaram by private or public buses.