Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple, Pennadam

Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple in Pennadam with a main shrine built in Gajapristhakara style, which resembles an elephant's back in its architectural form. The complex contains multiple sanctuaries and water bodies scattered throughout the grounds.

This temple was built during the Early Chola period and has been a center of worship for centuries. Ancient Tamil saints composed devotional hymns here, making it an important site in the region's spiritual heritage.

The temple holds significance as one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams, where devotees worship Lord Shiva in three different manifestations within the complex. Each form is honored separately and plays an important role in the spiritual practices of visitors.

The temple is located about 18 kilometers from Virudachalam in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, and is accessible to visitors throughout the year. Daily rituals are performed regularly, with larger gatherings occurring during the major spring festival season.

The temple's Nandi statue faces east, away from the main shrine, following a local legend about its protective role. According to tradition, the statue has shielded the surrounding region from devastating flood damage.