One of the most ancient temples in India, which covers an area of over 40 acres. Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar got back his eye sight after visiting this Sthalam.

The Presiding Deity of this temple is Thiru Ekambareswarar, worshipped as the "Prithivi Lingam".

It is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalams [each representing a natural element] - five major Shiva temples and this temple represents the element - Earth (Prithvi). The other four temples in this category are Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara (Water), Chidambaram Natarajar (Sky), Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (Fire) and Thiru Kalahasti Nathar (Wind).

We can also find a Divya desam (108 Temples of Sri Vishnu) - Thiru Nilathingal thundathan inside this temple.

Goddess Parvathi Devi performed tapas under a Mango tree and still we can find that tree inside the Temple.

The Temple is offered six worship services daily – namely Ushad Kaalam, Kaalasanthi, Uchi Kaalam, Pradosham and Sayarakshai and Ardhajamam.

Aani Tirumanjanam, Aadi Krithikai, Aavani Moolam, Karthikai Deepam, Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram, Chitra Pournami and Vaikasi Vishakam are some of the grand utsavams performed in this temple.