Thillai Nataraja Temple, also known as Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, and Lord Vishnu as Govindaraja Perumal. It is located in the heart of Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. If you’re planning a visit, this guide details Chidambaram Nataraja Temple timings for darshan, pooja, aarti, and sevas for a soulful pilgrimage.
Chidambaram Nataraja Temple Darshan Timings:
- Regular Days:
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Festival Days (Maha Shivaratri, Aani Thirumanjanam, Arudra Darshanam):
- Extended hours: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Break: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
General Darshan is free. Special Darshan charges ₹1000 or VIP Darshan charges ₹1000 to reduces wait. During Maha Shivaratri (February-March), arrive by 5:00 AM to avoid 2-3 hour queues.
Pooja Timings:
- Paal Nivedhyam: 6:30 AM.
- Kala Sandhi Pooja: 7:45 AM to 9:00 AM.
- Irandaam Kaalam: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
- Uchikaalam: 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
- Saayarakshai: 5:15 PM to 6:00 PM.
- Irandaam Kaalam (Evening): 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Ardhajaamam: 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Special poojas like Maha Abhishekam (₹5000) shine during Arudra Darshanam (December-January). Book at counters or contact temple office (+91-94436-35280, +91-4144-22717).
Aarti Timings:
- Maha Aarti (Morning): 7:00 AM.
- Uchikaalam Aarti: 12:00 PM.
- Shotasopachaara Aarti: 5:30 PM.
- Maha Aarti (Evening): 7:30 PM.
- Ardhajaamam Aarti: 9:30 PM.
The Maha Aarti at 7:30 PM, is a highlight, arrive by 7:15 PM.
Seva Timings and Offerings:
- Spatika Linga Abhishekam: 7:45 AM, 10:00 AM, 5:15 PM, 7:00 PM, 9:00 PM.
- Chidambara Rahasya Darshan: 7:00 PM.
- Annaprasadam Seva: 12:00 PM.
- Sahasranama Archana: 8:00 AM.
How to Reach Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
- By Road: 2 km from Chidambaram Bus Stand.
- By Train: Chidambaram Railway Station (2 km).
- By Air: Tiruchirappalli Airport (173 km).
Travel Tips
- Dress Code: Men: Dhoti/kurta (no jeans). Women: Saree/salwar (no skirts). Rentals available (₹20).
- Best Time: Oct-Mar (20-25°C). Avoid Jun-Sep (monsoons).
- Note: No photography in sanctum. Use free cloakrooms.