What to expect
Highlights
- Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram — A temple on the northern edge of Chidambaram dedicated to Kali (Thillai Kaliamman), consort of Shiva. It was built by the Kadava chieftain Kopperunchinga, who ruled between 1229 and 1278 CE. Legend links it to the dance contest between Shiva and Parvati, after which Kali is said to have settled here away from the Nataraja shrine.
- Govindaraja Perumal Temple, Chidambaram — A Vishnu temple (Thiruchitrakoodam) that sits inside the Thillai Nataraja Temple complex and ranks among the 108 Divya Desams of Vaishnavism. Vishnu is worshipped here as Govindaraja Perumal alongside his consort Pundarikavalli. It is one of only two Divya Desams housed within a Shiva temple; the idol was removed under Kulothunga Chola II and later reinstated by Krishnappa Nayak in the 16th century.
- Pasupatheeswarar Temple, Thiruvetkalam — A Shiva temple at Thiruvetkalam near Chidambaram where the deity is worshipped as Pasupatheeswarar, also called Abathsahayeswarar. It is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams glorified in the 7th-century Tevaram hymns of the Nayanmars. The site is associated with the legend of Arjuna receiving the Pasupata weapon from Shiva.
