Vishamangalesvarar Temple, Thudaiyur

This Shiva temple stands at Thudaiyur, now also called Thodaiyur, about 10 km from Tiruchirappalli, shortly before Tiruvasi. It is one of the Vaippu Sthalams, places named in the hymns of the Saivite saint Appar. The linga is worshipped as Vishamangalesvarar, also called Kadambavanesvarar, and the goddess as Mangalanayaki or Veeramangalesvari. The name recalls the story of Shiva holding back the poison that rose when the ocean of milk was churned, saving the world; tradition also says Sahadeva of the Pandavas and Duryodhana's wife Banumathy worshipped here.

Shiva faces east and the goddess south, her shrine standing in the mahamandapa. Where most Shiva temples place Surya and Chandra facing the deity, this one has a seated, four-armed Vishnu with his consorts, a rare arrangement. The south niche holds a form called Thikasandala Veena Dakshinamurti, and the rear wall an Alinganamurti, Shiva embracing Parvati. Inner shrines honour Vinayaka, Subramania and Saraswati. The temple is open from 8 am to 12.30 pm and from 5 to 7 pm.