Agnipureeswarar Temple, Thirupugalur

Agnipureeswarar Temple stands in Thirupugalur, a village in Nagapattinam district, and is dedicated to Shiva as Agnipureeswarar, with Parvati as Karundar Kuzhali. It is believed to date from the Chola period of the 10th–11th centuries. Legend says Agni, the fire god, worshipped Shiva here, giving the deity and the Agni Theertham tank their names. Another story says Banasura dug up the lingam for his mother Bhudevi but could not lift it, which is why it appears tilted, and that Shiva danced before her. Tradition also places here the miracle in which Shiva changed bricks to gold for the saint Sundarar.

A granite wall and a five-tier rajagopuram enclose the shrines. Inscriptions begin with Uttama Chola (970–985) and include gifts recorded under Rajaraja I by one of his queens, tax exemptions under Rajendra I and offerings under Rajadhiraja. Six rituals are held daily and three festivals a year.