The name Thirukkattalai comes from the name Thiru + katrazhi, which means sacred stone temple. This is one of the earliest structural temples to be built (temples built before this were essentially rock-cut). 

It has a small sanctum sanctorum and 7 small shrines in all directions. These shrines are attached to the outer wall of the temple which is architecturally unusual in later temples. These shrines on the side are of Surya, Chandra, Saptha Madha, Vinayaka, Karhtikeya, Jyeshta Devi, each and the 7th shrine is empty. Inscriptions of both the Aditya Chola Period as well as the Nayak period can be found here. 

The Vimana (the tall pyramid-shaped structure atop the sanctum sanctorum) has some important sculptural details on all 4 sides. On the eastern side, (that's the entrance), right atop is Alinganamurthy - that's Lord Shiva with his consort on his lap. However, in this sculpture, his consort is broken... 

The southern side has Thripuranthaka at the bottom, Bhikshadana in the middle and Veenadhara Dakshinamurthy atop. The western side has Vishnu in standing posture at the bottom, Seated Vishnu in the middle, Bhoovaragava atop. The northern side has Standing Brahma at the bottom, seated Brahma in the middle and the structure atop is unidentifiable. However, a pattern seems to have been followed. The southern side was completely Shiva, the western side was Vishnu and so the northern side must be completely Brahma. So the unidentified sculpture atop must be Brahma!!!

Just outside was this huge pond, which glistened in the early morning sun rays!!!

While we were here, one of the persons in our ground spotted these circular, almost manmade-looking small pits on the ground. Turns out, those are the pits of Antlion larvae. An adult antlion almost resembles as dragonfly. But the juvenile antlion is why it is called an 'antlion'! Antlion, as the name suggests, is an insect that eats ant. What is does is, in its larval stage, it digs up little holes in the ground and waits beneath with its tentacles open. As an ant crosses, obviously it descends into this pit and the ant lion catches it and eats it up!!! Now that's survival of the fittest!!!!!

How to reach Thirukattalai from Pudukottai: 6 km from Pudukottai on the smaller lane that runs parellel to SH26.

How to reach Porpanai kottai from Pudukottai: 10km from Pudukottai on Pudukottai - Pattukottai road. Turn right at around 7.5km just before Veppankudi

How to reach Porpanai Kottai from Thirukattalai: 4km via Immanampatti towards Veppankudi

Thirukattalai Sivan Temple timings: 7AM to 12:30PM and 4PM to 6:30PM