The Shiva Temple in Chidambaram is an ancient site in Tamil Nadu, recognized as one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalangal dedicated to Lord Shiva, symbolizing the element of space and esteemed as the most significant Shiva Temple among Saivites. The term 'Kovil' is synonymous with Chidambaram, and it is believed that visiting and worshipping here grants liberation to devotees. Within the Natarajar Temple, a sannidhi is dedicated to Govinda Raja Perumal, which is one of the 108 Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu, symbolising the amalgamation of the shaiva and vaishnava cult. Situated in the heart of Chidambaram, the temple spans 40 acres, featuring a sanctum adorned with gold plated roof. The presiding deity is represented by the Akasa Lingam, embodying space, and the temple is also classified as one of the Pancha Sabha Temples of Lord Shiva. Notable architectural elements include tall Gopurams on each side and stucco representations of 108 Bharatha Natyam dance poses on the eastern and western towers. Additionally, the 1000 pillar mandapam, or Raja Sabha, located in the northeast of the outer corridor, serves as a significant architectural feature where the rulers of the Pandya and Chola kingdoms once celebrated their military triumphs.
The temple has five main Halls or Sabhas namely the Kanaka Sabha, the Cit Sabha, Nritta Sabha, Deva Sabha and Raja Sabha. Nataraj happens to be one of the most momentous forms of Lord Shiva. The Chit Sabha (Chitrambalam) houses the Akasa Lingam and the Kanaka Sabha houses the idol of Nataraja. The roofs of these two sabhas are cladded with gold plates. The sannidhi of Sivagami, the female deity is to the left of Natarajar sannidhi. There are also separate sannidhis for Vinayaka and subramanya inside this temple.
Notable sages - Nandanar, Tirunilakandanayanar, Vyagrapada and Patanjali attained 'moksha' at chidambaram.
The Chidambaram Temple is also known for its roof, which has 21,600 gold sheets fixed with 72,000 gold nails. The number of gold sheets represents the number of nerves in the human body, while the number of gold nails represents the number of nadis.
West Gopuram, West outer Prakaram
Subramania Sannidhi in south outer prakaram
South outer prakaram - another view
South gopuram, south outer prakaram
North outer prakaram
Tirumoola Vinayakar Sannidhi
Shivakami Amman Sannidhi
North Gopuram, Shivagangai Theertham
West Gopuram