Natraja Temple, Timings, History, Travel Guide and How to reach

Natraja Temple Chidambaram- Guide

Natraja Temple is present at a distance of 251 km from Chennai city in Chidambaram Tamil Nadu. It is a pilgrimage site and a very beautiful tourist place. The temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja or Shiva and Lord Perumal and was built in the 11^th century. This temple is spread over about 40 acres and is seen telling the Dravidian culture. Nataraja temple is called the most popular and famous Shiva temple in South India. The temple was built by Vikram Chola. And on the other hand, the Pallava king Simhavaram got the temple renovated.

History of this Temple

There is no specific date available for the construction of a Nataraja temple from the very ancient temples of India. But it can be said by looking at the structure of the temple. It was built by King Vikram Chola of Chola rule in the fifth century. He is mentioned in Chidambaram’s dance deity Sambhar and mentioned in Apar in 7^th or 6^th century which is written in texts. After that, his successor kings made changes and improvements in the 12^th and 13^th centuries. In that reform, the kings of Chera dynasty, Pallava, Vijayanagara, Pandya and Chola dynasty are mentioned.

In Natraja Temple, along with the main deity, idols of Devi, Vishnu, Subrahmanyar, Ganesha, Nandi and other deities are also installed. The temple also has a number of assembly halls, called the Do Pramukh Murga.

Natraja Temple Timings

Natraja Temple opens at 5:00 am and closes at 12:00 noon, again in the evening this temple opens at 4:00 pm and closes at 10:00 pm. 6 pujas are performed daily in the temple.

Places to visit near this temple

Thillai Kali Amman Temple

Thillai Kali Amman Temple is located just near the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. This temple is dedicated to Maa Kali.

Sivakamiman Temple

This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. This temple is located at a distance of about few kms away from the Nataraj Temple.

Chaithaparinathar Temple

This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and this temple is located at a distance of about few kms away from the Nataraj Temple.

Kali Mandir

This temple is dedicated to Maa kali. This temple is located at a distance of about few kms away from the Nataraj Temple.

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

It is the most popular tourist destination of South India, where the mangrove forest is spread over an area of ​​1,100 hectares. This place is located at a distance of about few kms away from the Nataraj Temple.

Also Read: Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Timings, History, Travel Guide and How to reach

How to reach Natraja Temple

By Air- The nearest airport from Natraja Temple is Pondicherry airport which is at a distance of 66 km from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.

By Train- The nearest railway station from Natraja Temple is Chitambaram railway station which is at a distance of about 1.5 kms from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.

By Road- Nataraja Temple is well connected to nearby cities via road through Chidambaram. So you can easily reach Nataraja temple through bus also. Apart from the bus, you can also come here by taking a self drive or hiring a taxi from nearby cities.

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