Significance - Recognising the sanctity of this place, The god of creation Brahma himself erected a temple at the site and began worshipping the presiding deity with great devotion. Brahma created a pristine waterbody in his own name, drawing upon its holy waters to reverently anoint the deity. This breathtaking waterbody, known as Brahma theertham, can be found located opposite the temple. Pleased with Brahma's sincere devotion and piety, Lord Shiva chose to manifest himself under a sacred 'Kilivai' hill mango tree, botanically identified as Commiphora caudata, located in the temple's prakaram (outer precincts). Beneath the mango tree's expansive canopy lies the sannidhi of 'Kiluvai Nathar', housing the primordial 'Murthy' (idol) of this temple. The temple's spiritual allure drew not only Brahma, but also the great sage Kanva Maharishi. The revered sage worshipped the temple's deity with intense devotion, performing austerities that multiplied his 'Punniya Palan' (spiritual merit and blessings). The exact spot where Kanva Maharishi would bathe in the holy Kaveri river before venerating the deity is now forever commemorated as 'Kanva Mahaan thurai'. The presiding deity of this temple is known by the name 'Kadai Mudi Nathar' in Tamil, which translates to 'Antha-Sam-Rakshaneshwarar' in Sanskrit, signifying 'The Lord who protects us during our final moments at the end of our lives'.
This shiva temple's entrance lacks the typical towering gopuram gateway, instead presenting a more understated façade. Notably, this is one of the rare temples in Tamil Nadu that faces west, a direction not commonly chosen for temple orientation. Inside, the presiding deity is represented by a Swayambhu Linga, which is specifically a Shodasha Linga, imbuing the temple with added spiritual significance. The Navagrahas, or nine planetary deities, are positioned on an octagonal pedestal, showcasing a distinctive geometric design. The sculptures of Dakshinamurthy and Bhairavar are portrayed wearing rings in their left ears. The temple complex also houses sannidhi dedicated to Vinayaka and Subramanya. The female consort of the main deity, known as Abhirami, is enshrined in a south-facing sanctum. Devout young women come to pray to Mother Abhirami, and offer a sacred thread known as 'tirumangalyam' as a symbol of their piety. By offering this auspicious thread to Mother Abhirami, the unmarried women beseech her blessings to remove any obstacles or delays that may be hindering their marital aspirations. Another highlighting feature is that the river Kaveri changes its course westwards at this location.
Entrance in the south
View of the temple from South entrance
Outer Prakaram
Outer Prakaram - another view
Dakshinamurthy
Entrance to Kadaimudi naathar sannidhi
Bhairavar, Surya, Appar, Sundarar, Sambandhar
Muruga with his consorts
Navagraha
Abirami sannidhi Vimana