Dakshinakokarnesvarar Temple, Pulivalam
About Dakshinakokarnesvarar Temple, Pulivalam
This ancient temple enshrines Lord Shiva as a self-manifested lingam bearing impressions of tiger paws and visible ribs, with his consort Anandavalli Amman. The presiding deity Dakshinakokarnesvarar is distinguished by a jata mukutam (matted hair crown) adorning the upper portion of the lingam. The temple holds profound spiritual significance as one of the Vaippu Sthalams—minor Shiva temples referenced incidentally in the Tevaram hymns composed by the 7th-century saint Appar in pathikams 6-51-11 and 6-70-11. The village name Pulivalam, derived from 'Puli' meaning tiger, connects to local legends associating the temple with protective divine forces. The temple's architecture reflects traditional Dravidian elements, and a notable phenomenon occurs during the solstices when solar alignments create divine manifestations on the temple walls.
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