Sri Pasupatheswarar Temple, situated in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the deity Shiva, worshipped here as Pasupatheswarar, along with His consorts Satgunambal and Nalla Nayaki. Located within Annamalai University’s premises, the temple spans two acres and houses multiple shrines, with Pasupatheswarar being the most revered. Enclosed by concentric rectangular walls, the temple structure showcases beautiful traditional South Indian architecture.
According to Hindu legend, Arjuna from the Mahabharata performed intense penance here to please Shiva, leading to a divine encounter where Shiva appeared as a hunter. This sacred exchange earned Arjuna the powerful Pasupatham weapon. The temple’s significance is also noted in the Periyapuranam, which recounts saint Sambandar's visit. Pasupatheswarar Temple is celebrated for its rich history and connection to revered Shaivite legends.
Architecturally, the temple’s eastern entrance features a three-tiered rajagopuram, and visitors proceed through a mukha mandapa and artha mandapa to reach the sanctum. The deity appears as a lingam in the sanctum, surrounded by carved pillars that depict Hindu legends, including Arjuna’s penance. Notable is the image of Parvati with her hair unbound, as well as the metal image of Arjuna receiving Pasupatham from Shiva, which adds to the temple’s charm.
The temple follows three daily rituals: Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at noon, and Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m. Various festivals mark the temple's calendar, with Tamil New Year and other significant events like Vaikasi Visagam, Navratri, and Thiruvadirai attracting large gatherings. The temple, honored in the Tevaram hymns, is classified as one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams and remains a spiritual hub for devotees and tourists alike.