Sakthivanesvara Temple, Thirusakthimutram

Sakthivanesvara Temple stands in the small village of Thirusakthimutram, near Patteeswaram and about 7 km from Kumbakonam, on the bank of the Kudamurutti, a tributary of the Kaveri. Here Shiva's lingam is shown embraced by his consort Parvati, so the deity also goes by the names Sivakozhundeesvara and Sakthi Mutham. Devotees believe that those who pray here with faith will be blessed with the life partner of their choice.

Legend says Parvati did penance here to win Shiva's hand; when he appeared as a column of fire whose heat she could not bear, she embraced him, giving the place its name, 'Sakthi embracing Shiva'. The temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams praised by Tirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar.