Karapuranathar Temple, Uthamacholapuram

Karapuranathar Temple is an old Shiva temple at Uthamacholapuram in Salem district, close to the west bank of the Thirumanimutharu river. The lingam is swayambu, or self-formed, and the name is read as 'lord of the riverbank place'. The temple dates from the 9th century CE. One story tells of a devotee, Karadhushan, who set himself alight when his prayers went unanswered, and of Shiva putting out the flames.

The temple is also tied to the tale of Vel Pari, the Sangam-era chieftain of Parambu nadu who was killed fighting the three crowned kings. His friend the poet Kapilar sheltered Pari's daughters, Angavai and Sangavai, and with the help of the poet Avvaiyar they were married here to the son of Malaiyaman Thirumudi Kari. Tradition holds that the Chola king stayed at Uthamacholapuram, the Pandya at nearby Virapandy and the Chera at Salem to attend the wedding.