Great Temples of Tamil Nadu 11

Thirukazhukundram near Chengalpet, Tamil Nadu is an ancient Saivite temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the aspect of Vedagiriswarar. It is one among 275 Padal Petra Sthalams or Thirumurai temples. The main attraction here is the large temple located atop the mountain, which houses the deity of Lord Shiva as Vedagiriswarar. The temple at the foothills is dedicated to Thirupurasundari Amman, Parvathi, the consort. It is surrounded by four gopurams, which resemble the temple architecture of Thiruvannamalai Annamalaiyaar temple. Saiva saints Appar, Sundarar, Manickavasagar and Thirugnana Samandhar -- collectively known as 'Naalvar' -- came to this place and sang the praises of Lord Shiva. Until 1998, the mystical birds -- a pair of vultures -- used to appear every noon at Thirukazhukundram