Arankandanallur Temple is the 12th of the 22 Tevara Stalams in the Nadu Naadu region of Tamil Nadu. Temple inscriptions refer to the deity as Oppillamaneeswarar.
Legends: It is believed that the Pandavas visited Arankandanallur, and that the temple tank close to the cave was created with Bhima`s mace. There is an imprint of Tirugnanasambandar`s feet here. Sambandar is said to have miraculously moved a huge rock that had been placed to block the shrine.
Temple: It has a 160 feet high Gopuram. It has three prakarams which is visible from across the Pennar river. The temple is rich in inscriptions. It received royal patronage from local chieftains, the Cholas and Pandyas. The innermost temple consists of the sanctum with two mandapams and is surrounded by a compound wall with a pillared raised verandah. The second prakaram has the Utsava Mandapam and the Ambal shrine. Inscriptions from the days of Rajaraja Chola I (early 11th century) are seen here. This temple was renovated in the 13th century. The Navaratri Mandapam dates back to the period of Kulottunga Chola I. The Nritta Mandapam was built during the period of Kulottunga III. The Utsava Mandapam dates back to the 14th century, and the eastern gopuram dates back to the 15th century.
