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The old name for Annamalai Nagar was "Tiruvetkalam".
Tiruvetkalam is an old place sung by two hymnists of Thevaram, which has
close links with adjacent Thillai. This temple dedicated to
Pasupateshwarar (Lord Shiva) is located in the vicinity of the Annamalai
University at Chidambaram and is very similar to the one at Shivapuri
nearby. One can see the inscriptions from the Nayaka period (16th century)
in the temple.
The Legend
It is believed that Arjuna (one of the Pandava princes) during the exile
in the jungles, went out to the Himalayas to worship Shiva, to win from
him the Paasupataastram, the infallible weapon. Lord Shiva was impressed
with penance appeared in the form of a hunter and picked up a quarrel with
him over a wild boar, and challenged him to a combat.
This manifestation of Shiva is known as "Kiraata Murthy" (also
splet as Murthi). In the course of this (mock) fight, the hunter stripped
Arjuna of all his weapons (and his ego), and the brave prince continued to
fight with his bare hands. Shiva then revealed his true self, and blessed
him with the Paasupataastram.
The bows Gandipam and Pinakam are said to have been formed here. There
are festival images of Arjuna, and Shiva with the Pasupatastram. This
event is enacted during the festival in the month of Vaikasi (May-June).
It is also believed that many villages around this shrine are associated
with The Legend of Arjuna's encounter with Shiva. Arjuna is said
to have chased a wild boar, which disturbed his meditation in the village
of Usuppoor. Nakkar Ugandakudi (Nakkattankudi) is another village
associated with Arjuna. Eesanporveli is where Arjuna is believed to have
fought with Shiva, and Villeruttaan Kuttai is where Arjuna's bow is said
to have been broken by Shiva.
Tourists can access Thiruvetkalam easily, which is just two km to the east of Chidambaram Railway Station. Chidambaram being an important pilgrim centre of Tamil Nadu is well connected by road with the major cities and towns of Tamil Nadu. For local transportation auto and cycle rickshaws are available.
Accommodation is available at the budgeted hotels and choultries (Dharmashalas) in Chidambaram.
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