Kadalur Pataleeswarar Shiva Temple

The temple is considered to be very significant from religious point of view. The main diety is Lord Pataleeswarar who is also referred to as ThondraThunaiNadhar and his consort Goddess Parvathy is referred to as the Periyanayaki Amman. The aura of the temple is considered to be very sacred and it is believed that anyone who worships the God here is equivalent to have worshipped Lord Shiva in Kasi around 16 times. Such is the sanctity of the temple. Further, blessings are bestowed on those who are looking for life partners or seeking a child.

There is a beautiful legend behind this temple. There once lived a saint who was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. A unique fact about him was that his legs were in the shape and form of tiger and hence he was famously referred to as the tiger -legged saint. His name was Puliyur and he performed rigorous penance in the devaraar Thiruthalam area. While observing his penance, he had selected the spot which was just below a tree called the Pathiri tree. Lord Shiva was pleased with his devotion and dedication and hence granted him darshan. Since, then the spot is considered to be very pious and even the name of the temple has been derived from the tree to Pataleeswarar. There is another reason which makes this place sacred and religious. A renowned saint by the name Appar, adopted Saivism on the very spot where the temple exists today, and hence this temple is considered to be a holy and sacred place for all those who believe in Lord Shiva.

This temple is considered ideal for organizing events such as marriage functions. Festival of Mahashivratri is also held here on a grand scale attracting thousands of devotees from far and wide. The temple is decorated with diya's and rituals are performed from day till night time.