Sivasailam Temple

Sivasailanathar Paramakalyani Amman Kovil, popularly the Sivasailam Temple, stands in Sivasailam village, 3 miles from Alwarkurichi in Tenkasi district, beside the Gadananathi River and ringed by Velli Malai, the Western Ghats and Mulli Malai. Described as an old, large and well-sculptured Shiva temple with inscriptions, it is one of the Vaippu Sthalams. Legend says that cows driven from a landlord's house poured their milk on a rock on the hill, where a lingam appeared; the self-formed lingam has hair-like lines at the back, earning Shiva the name Sadaiappar.

The vimana is gilded, and the five-storey main gopuram carries many figures. Paramakalyani Amman, with emerald-green cheeks, stands about 15 ft from Shiva's shrine. The Nandi, carved as an ox seated on its folded tail, is especially admired, and lion motifs and painted flowers decorate the mandapam. Two wooden chariots, a large one for Shiva and a smaller one for the goddess, serve the festivals.