Timings: 5 am to 12 pm, 4 pm to 9 pm
This 9th century temple is often credited as one of the largest temples in India. A Shiva lingam is worshiped in the form of Moolanathar, and his consort Parvati as Kondi. The presiding deity is the sacred 7th century Saiva text Tevaram – recognized as a Paadal Petra Sthalam. Built in Dravidian architectural style, the temple has innumerable shrines and halls. The main shrines are of Vanmikinathar (Shiva) and Thyagaraja. The temple was an important center for Jainism and the Golaki matha during the 13th and 14th century. It owns the largest chariot in Tamil Nadu and is known for ajapathanam – a dance by the deity performed without music. Some unique features of this temple are, a standing Nandi bull facing the presiding deity, the gigantic Kamalalayam tank, and sundials to observe stars. The complex also features nine planetary deities as navagrahas, and pathiri (trumpet flower) as the temple tree.
