Location
This Shiva temple is said to be next in sanctity only to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is often called the Kashi of the South. Hindus come here to perform the death rites for departed ancestors.
A major festival is held here during the birthday of Shiva (Shivaratri) in February. During the Shivaratri festival, a spectacular and sacred idol of Lord Shiva is mounted on the mammoth temple chariot and is driven to the temple from the end of the bazaar near the Maha Ganapati Temple. Devotees come in thousands to this temple on these days and it is believed that the blessings of Shiva are assured by visiting this historical pilgrimage destination.