Tiruvetkalam Temple, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu India

Tiruvetkalam is a seaside Sthalam. Lord Shiva is known here as Paasupathanathar. Lord Shiva gave Paasupatham to Arjuna in the guise of a hunter at this Sthalam. Lord Shiva presents Himself the spectacle of a Hunter's form with the Goddess Nallanayagi. This temple is a stone edifice, with a sacred tank surrounded by gardens and coconut tress in the front. 

The old name for Annamalai Nagar was "Tiruvetkalam". Tiruvetkalam is an old place sung by two hymnists of Thevaram, which has close links with adjacent Thillai. This temple dedicated to Pasupateshwarar (Lord Shiva) is located in the vicinity of the Annamalai University at Chidambaram and is very similar to the one at Shivapuri nearby. One can see the inscriptions from the Nayaka period (16th century) in the temple. 

It is believed that Arjuna (one of the Pandava princes) during the exile in the jungles, went out to the Himalayas to worship Shiva, to win from him the Paasupataastram, the infallible weapon. Lord Shiva was impressed with penance appeared in the form of a hunter and picked up a quarrel with him over a wild boar, and challenged him to a combat.

This manifestation of Shiva is known as "Kiraata Murthy" (also splet as Murthi). In the course of this (mock) fight, the hunter stripped Arjuna of all his weapons (and his ego), and the brave prince continued to fight with his bare hands. Shiva then revealed his true self, and blessed him with the Paasupataastram.

The bows Gandipam and Pinakam are said to have been formed here. There are festival images of Arjuna, and Shiva with the Pasupatastram. This event is enacted during the festival in the month of Vaikasi (May-June).

It is also believed that many villages around this shrine are associated with The Legend of Arjuna's encounter with Shiva. Arjuna is said to have chased a wild boar, which disturbed his meditation in the village of Usuppoor. Nakkar Ugandakudi (Nakkattankudi) is another village associated with Arjuna. Eesanporveli is where Arjuna is believed to have fought with Shiva, and Villeruttaan Kuttai is where Arjuna's bow is said to have been broken by Shiva.  

Tiruvetkalam is a famous temple near Annamalai University in Chidambaram of Tamil Nadu. A 16th century shrine, it is dedicated to Pasupateshwarar (Lord Shiva). The inscriptions from the Nayaka period can be seen here.

According to a local legend, Arjuna, during his exile from Indraprastha, went Himalayas to worship Lord Shiva, and win from him the Paasupataastram, the ideal weapon. Lord Shiva then appeared in disguise of a hunter and picked up a quarrel with Arjuna, and challenged him to a fight.

Arjuna lost all his weapons during the fight, but he continued to fight with his bare hand. Ultimately, Lord Shiva revealed his true self, and blessed and gifted Arjuna with Paasupataastram. This manifestation of Lord Shiva is known as 'Kiraata Murthy.' A festival is held here during May-June, and this event is enacted on this occasion.

Nearby villages such as Usuppoor, Eesanporveli and Villeruttaan Kuttai are also associated with this event. Tiruvetkalam is 2 km to the east of Chidambaram Railway Station.