Amirthakadeswarar Temple

Amirthakadeswarar Temple is a Hindu shrine in Melakadambur featuring carved stone sculptures across its walls depicting various deities. The exterior surfaces display representations of Muruga, Dakshinamurthi, and other religious figures that decorate and structure the temple's design.

The temple was built during the reign of Emperor Kulottunga Chola I, displaying Dravidian architectural features from over 1000 years ago. Its construction reflects the building practices of the early Chola period evident in its structural elements.

The temple appears in Tevaram hymns composed by Tamil Saivite saints Sundarar and Appar, reflecting its spiritual importance within Hindu worship traditions.

The temple is located near Cuddalore and can be reached by bus from Chidambaram toward Ayyalur, with access during morning hours from 7:30 to 10:00 AM and evening hours from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Visitors should plan their trip around these two daily time windows for entry and participation.

The temple structure resembles a chariot with its left wheel pressed into the ground, housing an inner Shivalinga crafted from nine different herbs known as Navapashana. Few shrines maintain this rare herbal composition for their central deity representation.