Nataraja Temple

Nataraja Temple is a Hindu temple in Chidambaram with four tall gopurams decorated with numerous sculptures and a gilded roof covering the central shrine. The complex has nine entrance gates leading to different courtyards and halls where religious rituals take place.

The present structure was built in the 12th century during Chola dynasty rule. Later rulers expanded the complex and added further architectural elements that remain today.

The name Nataraja means Lord of Dance and refers to Shiva in his form as cosmic dancer. Devotees come here to worship this particular manifestation while priests conduct several ritual ceremonies each day.

The temple grounds open in the morning and afternoon with a midday break in between and visitors must wear traditional clothing to enter. The best time to visit is early morning when fewer people are around and the light is more comfortable.

The Chit Sabha is a hall inside covered with golden tiles whose number is said to correspond to daily human breaths. Here the cosmic dance performance of the deity is believed to take place even though it remains invisible to the human eye.