Ambar Maakaalam Temple is the 55th in the series of Tevara Stalams located south of the river Kaveri.
Legend: The demons Amban and Ambaran were vanquished by Kaali here. Kaali took the form of an enchantress, accompanied by Vishnu disguised as an old man and through chicanery caused Amban to kill Ambaran, and then devoured Amban herself. To rid herself of the sin of killing, she prayed to Shiva here, hence the name Ambar Maakalam.
Vishnu as Veetrirunda Perumaal worshipped in a shrine nearby. There is an image of Kali the enchantress in the Vishnu temple. Shiva appeared as a Chandala in a yagnam conducted by Somaasi Maaranaar. Sundaramoorthy Nayanar attended this sacrifice. This event is commemorated in the month of Vaikasi - Ayilyam.
Temple: It covers an area of six acres and has several towers with stucco images. Ambar is another Shivastalam near Ambar Maakalam, and Somaasi Maaranar`s Yagasalai is located between the two temples . An image of the Chandala (Shiva) is seen in the Ambar Makalam temple. A number of inscriptions from the period of Kulottunga Chola I (1075-1120) are seen in this temple. The temple was built in his period. The stone structure of the sanctum is attributed to him. The prakaram and the surrounding walls were built during the rule of his son Vikrama Cholan.
