Amirthakadeswarar Temple, Sakkottai

The temple's names come from two traditions. According to legend, at the great deluge (pralaya) a pot (kalasam, locally kalayam) holding the seed of creation came to rest here, so the place was called Kalayanallur and the Lord Amirthakalasanathar, the lord of the pot of nectar. The present name Sakkottai is linked by tradition with Sakkiya Nayanar, one of the 63 Saiva saints, who is said to have worshipped Shiva here by offering stones in place of flowers; the Dinamalar temple guide relates that Shiva and Parvati appeared to him in reward for his devotion.

Sundarar's ten verses on the temple are part of the Seventh Tirumurai, according to Wikipedia; the Dinamalar guide counts it among the Tevaram temples on the southern bank of the Kaveri. Tradition also holds that Brahma worshipped Shiva here, and the guide mentions a sculpture of the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvati, which local belief places at this temple.

Sakkottai's Amirthakadeswarar is one of the twelve Shiva temples linked to the Mahamaham, the festival held at Kumbakonam's Mahamaham tank once in twelve years, and one of the Sapta Sthana (seven sacred places) temples whose deities are taken in procession in a palanquin circuit that starts from the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple. Wikipedia records that during the 2016 Mahamaham this palanquin procession began on the evening of 23 April and ended on the morning of 25 April.

This is an active HR&CE temple; dress modestly, leave footwear outside and follow staff instructions on photography. Opening hours at smaller temples can be short and may differ from listings. Confirm current darshan timings with the temple office or the HR&CE Department before travelling.

Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Government of Tamil Nadu (per Wikipedia) before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.