Moolavar: Sri Agneeswarar
Amman: Sri Kamakshi Ambal
According to legend, Agni disappeared during a dispute with Vayu and Varuna deva , disrupting daily life on earth Yagas, and Naivedyam preparations. The Rishis and Devas prayed to Lord Shiva, who appeared before Agni. Agni then manifested with two faces, three legs, four horns, and seven fiery hands, explaining that the dispute was only to receive Shiva’s darshan.
Agni worshipped Shiva by creating a Lingam here, and hence the deity came to be known as Sri Agneeswarar.
It is believed that Surya bhagwan worships Lord Shiva at this temple, and for three days from April 2nd, the Sun’s rays directly fall on the Moolavar.
This temple at Kalakattur is at the base of the bund of a lake called Putteri, also called “Chandramega Thadakam” during the Chozha period.
Architecturally, the temple consists of a sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam, and mukha mandapam with a south-facing entrance. The koshta sculptures are unique: Vinayagar appears in Lalitasana with a third eye; Dakshinamurthy holds Agni and palm leaves; and Ardhanareeswarar replaces the usual Lingothbavar on the western wall.
Based on the iconography and associated village temples, historian S.R. Balasubramanian dates the temple to the reign of Aditya-I (870–907 CE) of the Early Cholas. The earliest inscription belongs to Rajaraja-I’s 3rd regnal year. Six inscriptions are recorded here, including those of Rajaraja-I and Rajendra-I, referring to the village as Kalakattur and the deity as Uruni Alwar.
An important inscription from Rajaraja-I’s 14th regnal year (999 CE) records the king ordering perpetual lamps to be lit for the welfare of regional rulers and the people. Land and livestock were endowed for maintaining these lamps, reflecting the Chola king’s concern for public welfare.
Contact: The temple adiyar Sri Rajendran can be reached on 8825806065
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