Amrithakadesar Temple, Tirukkadambur

December 2012: After GKC ( Gangaikondacholapuram) our next stop was Tirukkadambur or Melakadambur around 32 Kms from Chidambaram.This is a Siva Temple and also a Padal Petra Sthalam where Sambandhar & Tirunavukarasar have sung hymns in praise of Lord. The deity goes by the name of Amritakadesar - Devendran or Indra: Lord of the Heavens is believed to have worshipped Siva here to get Amirtham or Celestial Nectar.The sanctum sanctorum of this temple is sculpted to look like a chariot with wheels and horses. This temple constructed during the reign of Cholas by Kulothunga Chola. The temple and the village are well known in Ponniyin Selvan history, as they are over than 1,000 years old.  This Sivalinga is Self-manifested or Swayambhu linga.
 During the 3rd, 4th, 5th day of the Tamil month of Panguni, twelfth month of Tamil Calendar, early during sunrise at 6.15 am, the Sun's rays will fall on Lord Amirthakateshwara Lingam for about fifteen minutes. At that time special pooja's are offered to the Lord. The shrine Goddess Jothiminnammai appears as Kalaimagal in Morning and Thirumagal in Evening and Malaimagal in Night.

Colorful Entrance Gopuram

Niche Sculpture of Patanjali around the Sanctum

A view of the Vimanam above the Sanctum

A niche sculpture of Brahma - The God of creation

A view of the chariot shaped sanctum & vimanam

Temple bells

Niche Sculpture of Goddess Durga

Lord Ganesa

Sage Agastyar