Atulya Nadheswarar Temple

This temple sits atop a granite hill and covers about two acres with a prominent seven-tier gateway tower. The complex contains various spaces and structures arranged for worship and visitor circulation around the central sacred areas.

The original foundation dates to the Pallava dynasty, with later expansions by the Cholas and final construction during the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century. These successive building phases shaped the layered architecture visible today.

The temple houses the deity Shiva in the form of Atulya Nadheswarar, represented as a lingam, while his consort Parvati is honored as Azhagiya Ponnazhagi. These deities remain central to daily worship and spiritual practice at this site.

The temple conducts four daily ritual sessions throughout the day, allowing visitors to plan their arrival accordingly. Access is available via the highway between Tirukoilur and Viluppuram with easy approach for most visitors.

Within the complex lie three rock-cut caves from the 10th century, preserving early architectural techniques and design approaches. These hidden spaces demonstrate how older construction methods were incorporated into later temple developments.