about 110 km from Thanjavur
Chidambaram
Home of the Thillai Nataraja Temple, where Shiva is worshipped as the dancer and as the element of space.
Chidambaram is unlike the other temple towns in the region because of what stands at its centre. The Thillai Nataraja Temple enshrines Shiva as Nataraja, the lord of dance, and it is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams — the five temples associated with the classical elements, this one with akasha, space. What that means in practice is the Chidambaram Rahasyam: a shrine where the object of worship is empty air behind a screen.
It is the longest single drive we make from Thanjavur, around 110 km up through the delta, and it works either as a full day or as the far point of a longer circuit taking in Gangaikonda Cholapuram on the way. The town fills for Natyanjali, the dance festival held around Maha Shivaratri, when classical dancers perform in the temple precinct.
What to see in Chidambaram
Thillai Nataraja Temple
The temple of Shiva as Nataraja, and one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams — the element here is space. Rites are conducted by the hereditary Dikshitar community.
Chidambaram Rahasyam
The shrine of empty space beside the Nataraja sanctum. The point of it is that there is nothing to see.
Natyanjali festival
Classical dance offered in the temple around Maha Shivaratri. Dates move with the lunar calendar each year.
Questions people ask
How far is Chidambaram from Thanjavur?
About 110 km by road, and the longest day trip we run. A private car with pickup from your hotel is the practical way to do it and return the same evening.
What is Chidambaram famous for?
The Thillai Nataraja Temple — Shiva as the cosmic dancer. It is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing akasha or space, and it is the temple most associated with Bharatanatyam.
Can Chidambaram be combined with Gangaikonda Cholapuram?
Yes, and it is the sensible way to do it — Gangaikonda Cholapuram sits roughly on the route and is the second of the three Great Living Chola Temples. Our Chola heritage tours combine them.