Few places can match the significance of Thiruvathigai, a small town near Panruti in Cuddalore district, in the Saivite tradition. One of the Veeratta Sthalams (eight holy sites that witnessed the destructive power of Lord Shiva), Thiruvathigai is where Saint Thirunavukkarasar, once a Jain, was cured of a stomach ailment and embraced Saivism subsequently. His sister, Thilagavathiar, one of the 63 Saivite Nayanmars, resided here, served the temple, and was instrumental in his conversion. Thirunavukkarasar’s first hymn, Kootra Inavaru, was composed in praise of the presiding deity of Thiruvathigai after his recovery.
Thiruvathigai is also renowned for skilled artisans who craft temple vahanas (processional mounts) and cars (rathams). Along the main thoroughfare, workshops display colourful and intricate creations: lion, swan, goat, rishaba, Kamadhenu, horse, parrot, and many other symbolic vahanas.
