Early medieval · Hindu · India

Chandramouleeswarar Temple

Thiruvakkarai, Tamil Nadu · 12.0278°, 79.6522°

Shiva (Chandramowleeswarar), with Parvati as AmirthambigaiChola, with patronage from Sembiyan MahadeviDravidianPaadal Petra Sthalam

Sacred since

870 CE

first attestation / structure

Standing structure

late 9th-10th c. (Chola, under Aditya I)

Chola, with patronage from Sembiyan Mahadevi

History & significance

A Shiva temple in Villupuram district revered in the 7th-century Tevaram and counted among the Paadal Petra Sthalams; its stone structure was raised in the reign of Aditya I. It is known for rare features including a three-faced lingam and a seven-tiered gateway tower.

Sthala katha — the legend

Kali is said to have destroyed the pregnant sister of the demon Vakrasura here, and Adi Shankara later calmed her fury by installing a Srichakra at her left foot.

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