Paasoor Nathar, Pasupati Nathar Temple

This Shivastalam is a grand temple within a couple of hours drive from Chennai on the way to Tirupati, fallen into a state of neglect. As with most temples in Tondai Nadu, the Vimanam is of the Gajaprashta style. Although the temple structure is in good condition, worship services are offered only once a day, by a priest from Tiruvalankadu nearby. The Vinayaka Sabhai with a multitude of Vinayaka images is a unique one. Karikal Valavan is associated with this temple, and one of his enemies who tried to kill him with a snake, by deciet, was vanquished by Shiva. A legend has it that the Shivalingam was discovered in a bamboo forest by the Chola King Karikaalan, who then proceeded to erect a temple here. There are inscriptions from the period of the early Chola emperors here (10th century); the Ambal shrine is attributed to Kulottunga Chola I (1075 onwards). Inscriptions from the period of Vikrama Chola (1130) speak of grand gifts of ornaments made of gold, silver, pearls, rubies and diamonds to the temple