Legends: Shiva appeared here as a huge column of light (Jyotiswaroopam) in front of Parvati, who had meditated upon him, and she embraced him; hence the name Sivakkozhundeeswarar and Sakthi Mutham.
Temple: This temple has two prakarams and occupies an area of less than an acre. A majestic Rajagopuram crowns the entrance. An image of Shiva and Parvati in embrace is enshrined in the temple. The Natarajar shrine and the Sarabeswarar shrine are important here. Appar prayed to surrender at the feet of Shiva, which was granted at Tirunallur nearby. This temple was reconstructed in stone during the period of Sembiyan Mahadevi and the early years of Raja Raja Chola I (1000 CE). Inscriptions from the period of Rajadiraja Chola II (1166-1182 CE), Kulottunga Chola III, and the Vijayanagar Emperors are found here.
