Nataraja Temple Chidambaram — Timings 2026

Complete schedule of darshan, aarti, sevas, festivals and prasadam details.

🕒 Opens 6:00 AM 🕘 Closes 10:00 PM 📍 Tamil Nadu Closed

âš ī¸Timings may change due to festivals, special rituals, or temple administration decisions. Please verify with temple authorities before your visit.

Nataraja Temple Chidambaram

Accommodation near Nataraja Temple Chidambaram

Comfortable stays close to the temple — starting from ₹950

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Temple & Darshan Timings

Daily temple & darshan schedule — may vary on festival days
Session Timings Status Notes
🛕 Temple Opening
6:00 AM
Open
General days
🙏 Morning Darshan
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Open
Best before 9 AM
⏸ Afternoon Break
Between sessions
Closed
Rituals & cleaning
🙏 Evening Darshan
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Open
🔒 Temple Closing
10:00 PM
Closed
â„šī¸ Chidambaram. Pancha Bhuta Sthalams — Akasha (Space) element. Ancient Chola-era temple. HR&CE manages. Famous Chidambara Rahasyam (secret behind the curtain).
📅 Extended during Arudra Darshan and Natyanjali festival.
đŸĒ”

Aarti Timings

Daily pooja & aarti schedule
Thiruvanandal
Dawn worship.
Time : 6:00 AM
Price : Free
Kala Sandhi
Morning pooja.
Time : 8:00 AM
Price : Free
Uchikala Pooja
Midday.
Time : 12:00 PM
Price : Free
Arthajaama Pooja
Night ritual.
Time : 9:30 PM
Price : Free
Palliyarai Pooja
Final night ritual before closing.
Time : 10:00 PM
Price : Free
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Darshan Tickets

All darshan types and pricing
Darshan Type Price Wait Time Booking
🆓 General Darshan
Free.
Free
15–45 min
Walk-in
⭐ Special Darshan
Priority.
₹50 – ₹100
10–20 min
Counter
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Pujas & Sevas

Special rituals & seva offerings
Akasha Abhishekam
🕐 Morning
₹500 – ₹3,000
Space element puja — unique to Chidambaram.
Nataraja Dance Offering
🕐 Natyanjali festival
Special
Classical dance performed as offering to Lord Nataraja.
Archana
🕐 All day
₹51 – ₹251
Personal prayer.
đŸŽĒ

Major Festivals

Special occasions & celebrations
February / March
Natyanjali
5-day classical dance festival — India's premier dance offering to Lord Nataraja.
đŸ‘Ĩ Very High crowd 📅 5 days
December / January
Arudra Darshan
Special Nataraja worship — most sacred day at Chidambaram.
đŸ‘Ĩ Very High crowd 📅 1 day
December / January
Margazhi Month
Month of classical music and dance.
đŸ‘Ĩ High crowd 📅 30 days
📅 Festival dates change yearly per the Hindu calendar. Verify exact dates before planning your visit.
đŸŦ

Temple Prasadam

Sacred offerings & blessed food
Vibhuti
Free
Sacred ash — especially sacred from space element shrine.
Panchamrit
₹30 – ₹100
From abhishek.
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How to Reach

Nearest transport options

âœˆī¸
Nearest Airport:

Pondicherry Airport (68 km)

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Nearest Railway:

Chidambaram Railway Station (2 km)

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Nearest Bus Stop:

Chidambaram Bus Stand (1 km)

Frequently Asked Questions