Tirtha Atlas

The sacred geography of the Indic world — every site mapped, dated, storied, and cited.

1126 sites15 countries4 traditions30 centuries
High medieval · Hindu · India

Sornakaleeswarar (Kaleeswarar) Temple, Kalaiyarkoil

காளையார்கோவில்

Kalaiyarkoil (Thirukkaanapper), Tamil Nadu · 9.8022°, 78.6147°

Shiva as Kaleeswarar (Sornakaleeswarar), with Parvati as SwarnambikaiMarudu Pandiyar patronage—Paadal Petra Sthalam
Sacred since
1300 CE
first attestation / structure
Standing structure
present temple c. 700 years old; Tevaram-era origins
Marudu Pandiyar patronage

History & significance

The great temple of Kalaiyarkoil, ancient Thirukkaanapper, with a 150-foot rajagopuram and three linked Shiva shrines; Sundarar sang its deity, placing it among the Paadal Petra Sthalams. The Marudu brothers of Sivaganga later fortified the site.

Sthala katha — the legend

The goddess Kali is said to have worshipped the Kaleeswarar linga here before defeating the demon Chandasura with the seven mothers.

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Sources

coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-27 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Marudu Pandiyar patronage