Sattainathar Temple, Sirkazhi

Sattainathar Temple is a Hindu temple in Sirkazhi, Tamil Nadu, India, with four towers and a complex that covers several hectares. The walls and pillars display carvings and reliefs showing divine figures, mythological scenes and geometric patterns typical of south Indian architecture.

In the 7th century this site became linked to the saint Thirugnana Sambandar, who as a child received divine milk from the goddess Parvati and gained spiritual enlightenment here. The royal Chola and Pandya dynasties expanded the temple in the following centuries, adding new shrines and towers.

Pilgrims worship Tirunilakanta Nathar here, a form of Shiva whose name refers to the god's blue throat. This representation recalls the mythic event when Shiva drank poison and held it in his throat to save the world from destruction.

The temple sits in the small town of Sirkazhi and can be reached from Chidambaram and Mayiladuthurai by local bus or taxi. Opening hours are in the morning and afternoon, and visitors should cover shoulders and knees before entering the shrines.

Renovations uncovered a collection of 462 sacred copper plates stored in a hidden cavity below the floor. The walls also carry 37 stone inscriptions from different periods that document donations, royal visits and temple regulations.