Chidambaram is one of the most ancient and most celebrated of shrines in India. It is of great religious as well as historic and cultural significance. Chidambaram is associated with Nataraja or Shiva in his Ananda Tandava pose (the Cosmic Dance of bliss) in the cosmic golden hall and the hall of consciousness (Chit Sabha). The word "Koyil" or temple in the Tamil Saivaite tradition refers to none other than the Chidambaram Nataraja temple.
City: Chidambaram
State: Tamil Nadu
Location: South India
Type of Construction: Ancient
Type of Building: Temple
Other Deities: Kasha Lingam, Sivakami Amman
Religion: Hinduism
Importance: Commemorating the dance duel between the doyens of dance Shiva and Kali is associated with Chidambaram. Shiva is said to have lifted his left foot towards the sky in the Urdhuva Tandava posture, a definite male gesture, which out of adherence to protocol, Kaali could not reciprocate, thereby causing Shiva to emerge victorious, delegating Kaali to the status of a primary deity in another temple in the outskirts of Chidambaram.
Famous For: Temple is known for its Akasa Lingam.
Festival Two annual Bhrammotsavams at Chidambaram are of great significance.
Pooja Schedule: Six worship services are offered in this temple each day at the shrine of Nataraja.
Accommodation: The temple town of Chidambaram is home to the Annamalai University, and it has several modern lodging facilities. The Tamilnadu Tourist Development Corporation operates one of its hotels at Chidambaram.
Accessibility It is well connected with Chennai by a host of train and bus services. By road it is only 235 kilometres South of Chennai. Thanjavur is only about 100 kilometres away from Chidambaram.
