Chidambaram houses a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja - Lord Shiva in the form of a Cosmic Dancer. A fine example of Dravidian architecture, this is one of the few temples where Lord Shiva, the destroyer, and Lord Vishnu, the preserver, are enshrined under one roof. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with gold plates.
Of the many festivals celebrated in the temple, the two largest are the 10-day Car Festival held in April/May and December/January, and the Natyanjali Dance Festival held in February which attracts performers from all over the country.