Tirukudandaikeezhkottam Temple

Tirukudandaikeezhkottam Temple is known for its grand shrine to Nataraja - Aadalvallaar and its beautiful sculptural work, vimanas and mandapams. It is the 27th in the series of Tevara Stalams located south of the river Kaveri.

Legends: Surya worshipped here to regain his lost splendour. The temple tank is also known as Surya Theertham. It is also known as Vilvavanam, it is believed that a vilva leaf from the pot carrying the celestial nectar drifted and landed here. Aadi Seshan worshipped Shiva here and blessed him with the might to bear the weight of the earth, here.

Temple: The temple has a wealth of sculptures. The Nritta Sabha or the dance hall, dates back to the 12th century, and has an elevated mandapam with a flight of steps. The 12 zodiac signs, two mammoth horses, four elephants in stone adorn the Natarajar shrine.

So imposing is the shrine to Natarajar, that the hymns of Appar are addressed to Aadalvallar of Kudandai Keezhkottam in awe. The imposing Natarajar shrine here is shaped in the form of a chariot, and the shrine to the Sun God is also of great sculptural significance. Sun`s rays fall on Nageswarar in the sanctum on the 11th through the 13th day of the Tamil month Chittirai (Aries) (hence Bhaskarakshetram). Shiva is also known as Paataala Beejanathar. There are shrines to Pralayakaala Rudrar and Kaali here.

Festivals: The annual Bhrammotsavam is observed in the Tamil month of Pankuni.