Adhi Ratneswarar Temple

The Adhi Ratneswarar Temple in the town of Tiruvadanai is a major Shiva temple and one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, among the 14 praised in the Thevaram that lie in the Pandya country. Its name is explained by the legend of Vaaruni, son of the rain god Varuna, cursed to bear a goat's head on an elephant's body, who regained his true form after worshipping Shiva here: thiru (sacred), adu (goat) and aanai (elephant). The Sun is said to have worshipped Shiva here on a stage of sapphires, which gave the deity his name, and when abhishekam is performed at midday the linga is said to look blue.

The gopuram is decorated with oil paintings of scenes from Hindu mythology and is said to be visible from about 10 miles away. The goddess Snehavalli is linked with the planet Venus, and people come for remedial pujas. Festivals include the ten-day Vaikasi Visakam in May–June, the fifteen-day Aadi Pooram in July–August, Navarathri and Karthikai.