Shiva is worshipped as a Prithvi Lingam at the Tiruppunkur temple.
Legends: Indra, Agasthyar, Brhama, Surya and Chandra, Patanjali and Vyagrapadar, the Sapta Kannikas and the Vanaras who went in search of Sita performed worship here. This shrine is associated with the Saiva Nayanar Nandanaar. The Nandi is said to have moved away from the shrine to provide a vision of Shiva to Nandanar. Sundarar caused rain to fall to provide relief from prolonged drought upon being requested by Kalikkaama Naayanar. It is believed that Sundarar continued to sing hymns to stop the deluge that threatened the village following his rendition. The well-known legend of Agastyar being blessed with a vision of Shiva`s marriage with Parvati is also associated with this temple.
Temple: A five-tiered Rajagopuram sits atop the entrance of the temple. On entering the outer prakaram, one encounters a shrine to Nandanaar, and the Rishabha Theertham tank, was created by Nandanaar, with the help of Vinayakar. A Panchamukha lingam, is seen under the stalavriksham in the Prakaram. The majestic Nandi, and the smaller one in the inner prakaram are out of alignment with the sanctum, in sync with Nandanar`s legend. Nandi`s posture is in contrast to the usual one where the Nandi leans towards the left. It is believed two of the three asuras of the Tri-Purams after their defeat became dwarapalakas and one became Nataraja`s drummer. The Nataraja image is that of a celestial being playing the Panchamukha Vadhyam. Shiva is enshrined in the form of a prithvilingam (an anthill covered with a kavacam). The lingam is adorned with punuku during the arthajama pujas on Mondays. There are shrines here dedicated to Surya, Kalikkaamar, Somaskanda, the Navagrahas, Bhairava and Chandra. The niches around the sanctum have images of Narthanavinayaka, Bhikshatana, Agasthya, Dakshinamurtny, Lingodbhava, Brahma, Durga, Ardhanareeswara and Bhairavar. There are also Shivalingams representing Tatpurusha, Aghora, Vaamadeva and Sadyojata. Inscriptions from the Imperial Chola period are seen in this temple.
