The Chidambaram temple is dedicated to Shiva, the lord of dancers Nataraja and the dance pose Ananda Tandava (dance of cosmic blissful energy). The idol of Nataraja is seated in the Chitsabha. There is a black veil behind this idol, where nothing is visible. This black veil is believed to cover the sky linga. Actually, there is no lingam, but people believe that there is an invisible formless lingam, in which five long garlands of the golden bell are visible. Which stresses the belief that ‘nothing is everything,’ which can help us to realize inner peace and the real self.
 
The temple has five silver-plated stone steps to reach the Chit Sabha which represent the Panchakshara mantras- NA, MA, SI, VA, YA. Embossed images of sages Patanjali and Vyaghrapathar appear on the doors made of silver, blessings to both
As the cosmic dance of Shiva was allowed to be seen, it is said that Lord Vishnu was also a witness to the scene.
To the left of Nataraja Swami in the sanctum is the Vigraha (statue) of Sivakama Sundari. There are also pictures of Ratnasbhapati (Nataraj of Ruby), Spatik Linga of Chandramoulishvara, Swarnakarshan Bhaivar, Mukhalingam etc. in the Chit Sabha.

Seva and worship

Puja is performed in the temple six times each day. Special pujas are performed on Maha Shivratri (once in a year) and Maas Shivaratri (monthly).
Margazhi Thiruvadhirai worship in December or January, 14th day after new moon in February or March, Chitthirai Thiruvonam in April or May, Aani Thirunanjanam in June or July.

Avni's Chaturdashi in August and September
Chaturdashi Puja at Puratasi in October, and November is the main worship of this temple. A procession is taken out on the day of Mahashivratri and on special occasions when the idol of the main deity is taken out of the sanctum.
Natyanjali is an annual dance festival in which classical dancers from all over the world perform and participate.

Best time to visit: October to March

Interesting fact:
Chidambaram is the temple where Shiva is worshiped as Akash (Aether). The dancing deity in the sanctum sanctorum is the world symbol of Lord Shiva in the form of 'Nataraja', next to which Nataraja is an empty space called the Chidambara rahasyam (secret) or the secret of Chidambaram.

Nearby Places:

Panchabhoot Temple and Madurai Meenakshi Temple