Tirunellikka Temple near Tiruvarur

Tirunellikka Temple is regarded as the 117th in the series of Tevara Stalams south of the river Kaveri.

Legends: Shiva blessed Durvasa Muni and enabled the latter to shed his limitation of short temperedness. Legend states that Vishnu, Chandra, Saneeswaran, Surya and Bhrama worshipped here. Hence the names Arunaapuram and Bhramatheertham. It is believed that a gandharva worshipped Shiva here and was relieved of leprosy, and hence the name Kushtarogaharapuram.

Temple: Rajaraja, Rajendra and Uttama Chola are associated with this shrine. .The sanctum faces west, and the temple has a five tiered Rajagopuram. The sun`s rays at sunset illuminate the sanctum twice a year for seven days, commencing on Deepavali in Dakshinayanam and the 18th day of Pisces in Uttarayanam. The Bhrama Theertham tank is to the south of the temple while the Surya theertham is to the north. A five-tiered 80 feet high Rajagopuram is at the entrance. The temple has three prakarams. The 12-pillared hall in the outer prakaram has paintings related to the stalapuranam of the temple.

Festivals: Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of Chittirai. Other festivals celebrated include Navarattiri and Skanda Sashti. Tirukkalyanam is celebrated on the first Friday in the month of Avani.