the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Abodes of Shiva

It is located near Poonthottam on the Peralam-Tiruvarur railway line. This temple is noted for its shrine to Kali and to Kaalakandeswarar. Ambar is 3 km southeast of Poonthottam, while Ambar Maakaalam is 1 km east of Ambar.

It is big temple covering an area of around 6 acres and has several towers with attractive stucco images. Ambar is yet another Shivastalam near Ambar Maakalam, and Somaasi Maaranar's Yagasalai is located between the two temples . An image of the Chandala form of Shiva is seen in the Ambar Makalam temple.
A number of inscriptions from the period of Kulottunga Chola I (1075-1120) are seen in this temple, speaking of endowments made to the temple. It was during his period that the Ambal shrine was built. The stone structure of the sanctum is also attributed to him. The prakaram and the surrounding walls were built during the rule of his son Vikrama Cholan.

It is believed that the demons Amban and Ambaran were vanquished by Lordess Kaali here. Lordess Kaali took the form of an enchantress, accompanied by Lord Vishnu in the guise of an old man and through chicanery caused Amban to kill Ambaran, and then devoured Amban herself. To rid herself of the sin of having killed, She prayed to Shiva here, hence the name Ambar Maakalam.
Lord Vishnu in the form of Veetrirunda Perumaal is worshipped in a shrine nearby. There is an image of Lordess Kali the enchantress in the Vishnu temple. Lord Tyagaraja (Shiva) is said to have appeared as a Chandala in a yagnam conducted by Somaasi Maaranaar. Sundaramoorthy Nayanar is said to have attended this sacrifice.

One of the Important festival is commemorated in the month of Vaikasi - Ayilyam.