Uchinathar Temple, Sivapuri

The Uchinathar Temple, also called Thirunelvayil, is a Shiva shrine at Sivapuri, about 5 km from Chidambaram in Cuddalore district. Shiva is worshipped as Uchinathar and his consort as Uchinayagi. The old name refers to the paddy fields believed to have surrounded the place. Legend says that when the boy saint Sambandar passed through with his wedding party on the way to Achalpuram, they were hungry and food was provided by divine grace; Sambandar then praised Shiva as Uchinathar in ten Tevaram verses.

The temple covers an acre within concentric walls and is entered through a three-tiered gateway tower on the east. A pillared hall with carvings of Hindu legends leads to the sanctum, where the lingam is believed to be self-formed, with a panel of Shiva and Parvati's wedding behind it. The Kripasamudram tank lies opposite. The temple had fallen into ruin by the early 20th century and was rebuilt.