Chidambaram is a major town and municipality located in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated on the banks of the Vellar River at its meeting point with the Bay of Bengal and serves as the headquarters of the Chidambaram taluk.
The town is noted for its significant antiquity and has been governed by various dynasties over time, including the Pallavas, Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Later Pandyas, Vijayanagara Empire, Thanjavur Nayakas, Marathas, and the British. It is primarily known for the Thillai Nataraja Temple and the Thillai Kali Temple, as well as the annual chariot festivals held between December to January and June to July.
The Thillai Nataraja Temple complex includes the Divya Sri Govindaraja Perumal Temple (Thiruchitrakoodam), which is one of the Divya Desams. Other ancient Shiva temples in the surrounding region include the Thiruvetkalam Shiva Temple, Vadakiruppu, Thirunelvayil Shiva Temple, Sivapuri, and Tirukkazhippalai Palvannanathar Temple.