1. Kachi Ekambam
This is one of the most revered temples to Siva located in Kanchipuram, and also one of the Panchabhoota Stalams signifying the element of earth – Prithvi Lingam.The presiding deity is Ekambara Nathar, Ekambreswarar and the Ambal Elavar Kuzhali, Kamakshi The sthala vriksham is Maamaram and the Theertham Kambaa nadi Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam.There are several Siva temples in Kanchipuram, and significantly there is no separate shrine for Parvati in any of them. The Kamakshiamman temple is the only Ambal shrine in Kanchipuram Legend has it that Parvati worshipped Siva in the form of a Prithivi Lingam, improvised out of sand, under a mango tree. The mango tree in the temple is believed to be 3500 years old, and is considered to be the embodiment of the four Vedas. The tree is said to bear fruits of four different tastes in each season.It is also believed that the neighboring Vegavati river overflowed and threatened to engulf the Siva Lingam. Thereupon Parvati or Kamakshi embraced the Lingam to protect it from being destroyed. By the touch of Parvati, Siva materialized in person and married her. It is in this context Siva is referred to as 'Tazhuva kkuzhainthaar' in Tamil. The Saint poet Sundaramoorthy Nayanar is said to have recovered sight of his left eye, upon offering worship here. The great texts, Tiruvacakam, Tirukkovaiyaar, Kanchipuranam, Manimekalai speak the glory of Kanchi city The temple covers an area of over 40 acres, and the Raja Gopuram of the temple built by the Vijayanagar Monarch Krishnadevaraya rises to a hheight of 172 feet.The annual festival during the Tamil month of Panguni lasts for 13 days and it is during this festival that the wedding of the presiding deity is celebrated, and the Tirumurai of Nayanmars is sung in great splendor.
2. Kachi Metrali
This is a small shrine in Pillayarpalayam in Kanchipuram.
The presiding deity is Tirumetrali nathar and the Ambal Kamakshi
The Theertham is Vishnutheertham
Appar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam.
Legend has it that Vishnu meditated upon Siva here to attain Sivaroopam.
There are two Sivalingams in this shrine - Odha Vrigeeswarar and Mutheeswarar.
Each year Sambandar festival is conducted at this shrine.
3.Onakanthan Tali
This Shivastalam is a small temple, in Kanchipuram.The presiding deity is Onakantheswarar and the Ambal Kamakshi Sundarar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that Siva is said to have been worshipped here by an Onan and a Kanthan the commander of Vanasuran. The festivals are celebrated along with Ekambareswarar temple.
4. Kachi Anekatangapadam
This is a small shrine located in the North Western part of Kanchipuram.
The presiding deity is Anekatangapadeswarar and the Ambal Kamakshi
Sundarar composed the Pathigam.A legend has it that Kubera and Ganapati worshipped Siva here. The fields in the vicinity are known as 'Aanaiyurittaan Vayal'.The temple festivals are associated with Ekambareswarar temple.
5. Kachi Nerikkaaraikkaadu
This small shrine is located in Kanchipuram, and is also known as Satyavratam and Indiresam.The presiding deity is Kaaraittirunatheswarar, Satyanatheswarar and the Ambal Kaaraarkuzhali, Kamakshi. The Theertham is Indra Theertham Sambandar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that Indra, the King of the Devas and Budhan worshipped Siva here. It is believed that the Sivalingam absorbs the sesame oil offered during ablutions.Arudra Darisanam is celebrated in this temple.
6. Kuranganilmuttam
This is a Shivastalam located at Mamamdur near Kanchipuram.
The presiding deity is Koyyaa Malareesar, Vaaleeswarar and the AmbalIraiyaarValaiyammai.
The Theertham is Paalaar.Sambandar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that Vaali worshipped Siva at the entrance to the temple while a squirrel worshipped from the South and a crow from the North, hence the name Kuranganilmuttam. Hanuman is also believed to have worshipped Siva here.Arudra Darsanam is celebrated in this temple.
7. Tiru Maakaral
This Sivastalam is located close to Kanchipuram.
The presiding deity is Maakaraleeswarar, Agasteeswarar and the Ambal Tribhuvaneswari
The Theertham is Agni Theertham
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
Legend has it that Siva is said to have manifested himself as a giant golden lizard to Rajendra Cholan here. It is also believed that an Udumbu (giant lizard) is said to have worshipped Siva in an anthill. Indra is said to have worshipped Siva here.
The festival coincides with that of the Kancheepuram temple.
8. Tiruvothur
This Shivastalam is in cheyyar close to Kanchipuram.
The presiding deity is Vedanatheswarar and the Ambal Ilamulaiyamman,Balakuchambika
The sthala vriksham is Panaimaram and the Theertham Kalyanakotitheertham
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that Siva is said to have revealed the Vedas to the Gods and Rishis from under a banyan tree here. Sambandar is said to have transformed a male palm tree to a female one, responding to the pleas of an anxious devotee.Siva is said to have appeared as a snake charmer to save Sambandar from the clutches of a snake.
9. Panankattur
This Sivastalam is located at Panankadu in the vicinity of Kanchipuram. .
The presiding deity is Panankatteesar, Taalapureeswarar and the AmbalKomalaPataambaal The sthala vriksham is Panai and the Theertham Amudha Theertham.Sundarar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that the deity at this shrine is said to have been worshipped by Agasthyar and Pulastiar.The temple celebrates Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month of Masi.
10. Tiruvallam
This Sivastalam is located on the Western Bank of Pennar river, near Vellore Town. The waters of the Pennar were once known for their healing powers. Tiruvallam is referred to as a Muktistalam.The presiding deity is Vallanathar, Vilvavananathar and the Ambal Vallambika;Dhanumadhyambal.The sthala vriksham is Vilva Maram.Sambandar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that Vinayakar is said to have obtained the celestial mango from Siva at this shetram. Referring to Vinayakar's circumambulation of Siva, this sthalam is called Tiruvalam. It is also believed that Nandi is said to be guarding the temple priest from a rakshasan, Kanjan of Kanjamalai nearby.The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Maasi. Sivaratri, and Thai Poosam are the festivals of significance here.
11. Tirumalper
This is a Sivastalam located near Kancheepuram and Arakkonam.
The presiding deity is Maal Vanangia Eesar, Manikandeswarar and the Ambal Karunai Nayaki, Anjanakshi The sthala vriksham is Vilvam and the Theertham Vishnu Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that Vishnu is said to have been blessed with his Chakrayudam upon worshipping Siva here - hence the name Tirumalper. It is also believed that during the worship Vishnu is said to have offered to Siva his eye in lieu of the 1000th flower, hence the name Padmakshan.The Brahmotsavam is in the Tamil month Maasi. Navaratri and Skandasashti are also observed here
12. Tiruvooral
This Sivastalam is located at Takkolam near Kanchipuram and Arakkonam.
The presiding deity is Tiruvooral Mahadevar, Jalanatheswarar and the Ambal Giriraja KanyakaSambandar compsed the Pathigam Legend has it that the Sivalingam is said to have been made by Parvati. It is also believed that Siva appeared here in response to the prayers of Brahma, Vishnu and Samvarta Munivar, brother of Brihaspati. This shrine is believed to be the Yaga Kundam of Daksha.The presiding deity, Jalanatheswarar, is considered to be a swayambu lingam of sand. The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Pankuni.
13. Ilambiankottur
This Siva sthalam is located near Kadambattur and Arakkonam.
The presiding deity is Deiva Nayakar, Chandrasekharar and the Ambal Kodendu Mulaiyammai. The Theertham is Chandra Theertha.Sambandar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that Siva appeared in the form of a child and then as an old man pointed out the location of this shrine to Sambandar and his followers. Siva is said to have been worshipped by the celestial nymph Ramba and hence the name Arambayamkottur, which over a period of time became Ilambayankottur.Worshipping Dakshinamurthy here on full moon night is considered to be auspicious.Mahasivaratri is celebrated here on a grand scale.
14. Tiruvirkolam
This Siva sthalam is located at Coovam near Tiruvallur.
The presiding deity is Tripurantaka and the Ambal Tripurantaki
The Theertham is Virkola Theertham
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
Legend has it that the axle in Siva's chariot broke here, while he was proceeding towards the Tripura kingdoms, and Siva enshrined here in the form of a Swayambu lingam. The Siva lingam is believed to change colors with the seasons. Siva’s appearance with his bow (Virkolam) is attributed to this place - Tiruvirkolam
Sivaratri is celebrated on a grand scale.
15. Tiruvalankadu
This Siva sthalam is located near Arakkonam and Kanchipuram.
This is a vast and beautiful temple heralded as Ratnasabhai - one of the five Pancha Sabhais attributed to Lord Nataraja.The presiding deity is Aalankatteesar, Nataraja, Oordhvatandavamoorthy and the Ambal Vandaarkuzhaliammai.The sthala vriksham is Aalamaram and the Theertham Mukti Theertham.Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that upon being requested by Naradar to save the earthly beings from the rage of Kali, born out of her vanquishing the demons Sumban and Nisumban in the banyan forest in this region, Siva agreed to a dance duel, and defeated Kali by raising his left foot, on the Oordhvatandavam postureKali is depicted in a dance posture at thi shrine. Karaikkal Ammayar is said to have walked on hear head to this shrine and her image is seen in the shrineThe Margazhi Tiruvadirai celebrations witness festivities related to the Cosmic Dance of Shiva.
16. Tiruppaasur
This Shivastalam is located near Tiruvallur on the way to Tirupati.
The presiding deity is Paasoor Nathar, Pasupati Nathar and the Ambal Veyidam Konda Nayaki, Pasupati Nayaki The sthala vriksham is Moongil and the Theertham Pasupati Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that the Chola King Karikaalan, who built a temple here, discovered the Shivalingam in a bamboo forest. Karikal Valavan is associated with this temple, and while his enemies tried to kill him with a snake, Siva vanquished them.Sivaratri is celebrated at this shetram.
17. Tiruvenpakkam
This Sivastalam is located close to Tiruvallur.
The original site of the temple is now submerged under the Poondy reservoir and the deities are housed in a temple on its shores.The presiding deity is Oonreeswarar and the Ambal Minnaloliammai.The sthala vriksham is Ilandai Sundarar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that Parvati appeared in the form of a lightning every now and then at this shetram, hence the name Minnaloliammai. Sundaramoorthy Nayanar who had lost his eyesight, was blessed by Siva with a pole to assist him to walk. Arudra Darisanam is celebrated on a grand scale.
18. Tirukkallil
This Sivastalam is located close to Periyapalayam near Chennai.
The presiding deity is Kalleeswarar, Sivanandeswarar and the Ambal Anandavalli
The Theertham is Sivananda Theerthamn Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
Legend has it that Bhrigu Muni is said to have worshipped Siva at this shetram.
Vinayaka Chaturthi, Navaratri and Skanda Sashti are celebrated here
19. Tiruvotriyur
This is one of the famous Sivastalam located close to Chennai.
The presiding deity is Thyagarajar and the Ambal Vadivudaiyammai.
The sthala vriksham is Magizhamaram and the Theertham Bhrama Theertham Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that Brahma and Vishnu worshipped Siva at this shrine. The Tripada Trimurthy image combines the essence of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. The Moolavar here (Aadipureeswarar) is a Lingam of earth, covered with a kavacham, removed only on the occasion of Kartikai Full Moon.Tiruvotriyur is a well renowned shrine for Tyagarajar and His dance here is Sundara Natanam. There are Siva lingams associated with each of the 27 stars (Natshatrams)Pattinathar and Ramalinga Adigal have sung praises of Otriyur.The grand festivals celebrated here is centered around the dance of Tyagarajar Sundarar is said to have married Sangili Nachiyar under the stala vriksham Magizha maram.
20. Tiruvalithaayam
This is a Siva Stalam in Padi, close to Chennai.
The presiding deity is Valithaya Nathar and the Ambal Thaaiyamman.
The Theertham is Bharadwaja Theertham
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that Bharadwaja Muni (Valiyaan) and Hanuman worshipped Siva here, and hence the name Valithaayam.The annual Brahmotsavam festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chittirai.
21. Tirumullaivayil
This is one of the Sivastalams in the vicinity of Chennai, near Avadi.
The presiding deity is Masilamaneeswarar and the Ambal Kodiyidai Nayaki.
The sthala vriksham is Mullaikkodi Sundarar composed the Pathigam.
Legend has it that Nandi as per the directions of Siva is said to have accompanied a devout King Tondaimaan on an elephant during a battle. When the feet of the elephant got entangled with a mullai creeper at this shetram, the obstacle was removed and a Sivalingam was revealed over which the temple has been built. Sundarar is said to have worshipped here first, after losing his eyesight.It is considered special to worship Kodiyidai Nayaki here and Vadivudai Nayaki at Tiruvotriyur on full moon days.The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi.
22. Tiruverkaadu
This Sivastalam is located close to Chennai and Poondamalli.
The presiding deity is Verkatteeswarar, Vedapureeswarar and the Ambal Verkanniammai, Balambikai.
The theertham is Velayudha Theertham.Sambandar composed the Pathikam.Legend has it that Siva is said to have blessed Agasthyar with a vision of his marriage with Parvati. It is also believed that Subramanyar is said to have worshipped Siva here after having slained the demon Sooran.Tiruverkadu is known more for the Karumariamman temple, which attracts a large number of pilgrims. It is considered to be of significance to visit the shrines of Balambika here, Vadivudaiamman in Tiruvotriyur and Jagadambikai in Padi; on the same day Skanda sashti is celebrated on a grand scale.
23. Tirumayilai(Mylapore)
This Siva sthalam located in the City of Chennai very well fits into the sprawling meteropolis, and is one of well-known landmarks in the heart of Mylapore.The presiding deity is Kapaleeswarar and the Ambal Karpagambal The sthala vriksham is Punnai Sambandar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that Parvati (Karpakambal) in the form of a peacock – Mayil, is said to have worshipped Siva and hence gained the name Mylapore. There are several literary works associated with this hoary shrine, which remains today as a seat of Tamil culture. The Poompaavai Pathigam composed by Sambandar is associated with this temple and he is said to have brought back to life, Poompavai the daughter of a devotee of Shiva - Sivanesa Chettiar.The annual Brahmotsavam festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Pankuni, and the procession of the 63 Nayanmars popularly called “Aruvathimoovar” festival attracts a very large number of devotees. The Teppam float festival in the large temple tank, and the biweekly Pradosham festival also draw huge crowds.
24. Tiruvanmiyur
This Siva sthalam is located in the city of Chennai, and is one of the ancient shrines.
enshrining Tyagarajar in a separate shrine within the large temple complex. Tiruvanmiyur, Tirumayilai and Tiruvotriyur are the three Shivastalams sung by the Nayanmars, in and around the metropolis. The presiding deity is Marundeeswarar, Oushadapureeswarar and the Ambal Chokka Nayaki, Tripura Sundari The sthala vriksham is Vanni and the Theertham Siva Ganga Sambandar and Appar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that Valmiki Maharishi is said to have worshipped Siva here. Kamadhenu is said to have poured her milk over the Sivalingam and offered worship. Shiva is also known as Marundeeswarar, or Oshadeeswarar. The Vedas and the Devas are also said to have worshipped Siva here. The Ashwini twins are said to have worshipped Siva to receive the knowledge of medicinal herbs, hence the name Marundeeswarar The Tyagaraja shrine is of great significance and the 18 Natanams of Tyagarajar is enacted during certain festive occasions. The shrine for Kala Bhairavar attracts large number of devotees.
25. Tirukkachoor
This Sivastalam is located in the vicinity of Chennai, near Singaperumaal Koyil.
The presiding deity is Virunditta easar, Kachabeswarar and the ambal Kanniummaiyal, Anjanakshi The Theertham is Koorma Theertham.Sundarar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that Vishnu in his Koorma Avatara is said to have worshipped Siva, seeking the celestial nectar Amritam. The name Kachur comes from the Kachaba (tortoise) form with which Vishnu worshipped Siva. It is also believed that Siva is said to have collected alms and offered a feast to Sundarar here, and hence the name Virunditta Eesar.Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chittirai, and Arudra Darisanam in the month of Markazhi are the important festivals celebrated here. The dance of Siva, Siva Tandavam is enacted during these festivals.
26.Tiruvidaichuram
This Sivastalam is located in the vicinity of Chingleput, enroute to Tirupporur.
The presiding deity is Idaichuranathar and the Ambal Imaiyamadakkodiyamman
The Theertham is Madhura Theertham Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
Legend has it that Parvathi worshipped Siva at this shrine. A shiny and transparent Maragatha Shiva Lingam occupies the Sanctum here.Panguni Uthiram, Kartikai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam and Chitra Pournami are the festivals celebrated annually here.
27.Tirukkalukunram
This Sivastalam located near Mahabalipuram on the way to Chengleput.
The presiding deity is Tirumalaiyaludaiyar, Vedagireeswarar and the Ambal Tirumalai Chokkanayaki, Tripurasundari The sthala vriksham is Vaazhai and the Theertham Pakshi Theertham Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that the four hills surrounding the shrine represent the four Vedas. Indra and Vishnu were blessed by Shiva here, hence the names Indrapuri and Narayanapuram. Two devotees in the form of birds, believed to be on their way from Kasi to Rameswaram, are still found to partake food offerings, atop the hill at a specific time each day. It is also believed that a part of the Sanjeevani hill, being taken by Hanuman, dropped at this place and the surrounding hills are presumed to be the same. It is also said that Indra in the form of lightning worships the deity at the hill temple. Sundaramoorthy Nayanar was blessed with material wealth here. The annual Brahmotsavam festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chittirai. The Pushkaram festival is celebrated once in 12 years in the Sanga Theertham.
28.Tiru Acharapakkam
This is a Sivastalam in the vicinity of Madurantakam near Chingleput.
The presiding deity is Aatchi Konda Nathar, Paakka Pureswarar, Aaksheeswarar, and the Ambal Balasukhambal, Sundara Nayaki The sthala vriksham is Konrai and the Theertham Deva Theertham Sambandar composed the Pathigam.Legend here has it that the axle on Siva's chariot broke here as he was heading to destroy the Tripurams, reminding him of Ganesha whom he had not meditated upon prior to his setting out on this mission. Hence the name “Achu Iru Paakkam”. The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chittirai, where the Tirukkalyanam is performed on the fifth day.
29.Tiruvakkarai
This Sivastalam is in Tiruvakkarai near Mayilam and Villuppuram.
The presiding deity is Chandrasekharar and the Ambal Vadivambikai.
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
Legend has it that Chandra is said to have worshipped Siva – Chandrasekhara. Vishnu is said to have vanquished the demon Vakrasura, and Kaali devoured the drops of blood that spilled. There are shrines for Vishnu and Kaali in this temple. The three faces of Siva here are said to have blessed Chandra, Brahma and Vishnu. There is also a shrine for Kundala Rishi. The image of Nataraja here shows him dancing with his right foot raised. Arudra Darsanam is celebrated at this temple.
30. Arasili
This Sivastalam is located in the vicinity of Irumbai Maakalam, near Pondicherry.
The presiding deity is Arasili Naathar and the Ambal Periya Nayaki.
The Theertham is Arasili Theertham
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
Vamadeva is said to have worshipped Siva at this shrine. The Siva lingam is relatively of a very small size.
31.Irumbai Maakalam
This Shivastalam is located close to Pondicherry.
The presiding deity is Maakaaleswarar and the Ambal Kuyilmozhi Ammai.
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.The legend has it that Siva and Parvathi were worshipped by Subramanya.The shrine to Subramanyar here is of significance, and Panguni Uthiram is celebrated in splendor here. Mondays in the month of Kartikai are also considered to be special.
