An ancient temple located in the temple town is the Ekambareswarar Temple. The vast expanse of the temple has the Prithvi Lingam representing Earth- one of the five basic elements. It is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalam [five elements of Nature] representing Prithivi [Earth]. The Single Mango Tree in the outer court is revered as most sacred and it is believed, if worshipped by childless couple, will be blessed with a child.

It is the first among the seven prime pilgrim centres in India. Built by the kings of the Pallava dynasty, it has a Dravidian style of architecture with the presiding deity as Lord Shiva. The Panguni festival is the major celebration of the temple known as the thirukalyanam lasting for 13 days. There is no separate shrine for the Goddess Parvati here. An important feature of the temple is the Aayiram Kaal Mandapam, meaning the hallway with a thousand pillars. Inside the temple complex there is a long passage with meticulously carved pillars which is a photographer’s delight.