'Nataraja' is the name for the Hindu deity Shiva in the form of the 'cosmic dancer'. Images of the dancing Shiva are omni-present at the temple, notably on the richly decorated gopurams (entrance towers).
There are altogether nine of these colourful gopurams at the temple, four of which - each facing in a different compass direction - are enormous structures marking the entrances to the complex. The others stand at the entrances to the various courtyards inside and, whilst smaller, are also impressive.
The complex covers some 40 acres right in the centre of Chidambaram, a small town near the mouth of the Vellar river.
The present temple dates back to the 10th century, but records suggest that there was a temple at the site several hundred years earlier. The principal gopurams were added during the 12th and 13th century. However, they have been destroyed, rebuilt, and enlarged several times since then - as have other parts of the complex.
A large sacred pool is situated just north of the building housing the inner sanctum.
The complex contains a number of separate shrines, all lavishly decorated with colourful motifs.
The final photo shows details of the intricate artwork on the Eastern gopuram. According to some sources this most closely resembles the original decorations of the four large towers.
Chidambaram lies around 65km south of Puducherry, i.e. it is a potential destination for a day-trip from there. It also represents a convenient stopping-off point if you are travelling from Puducherry to, say, Thanjavur or Trichy.
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