The Amirthakadeswarar Temple at Thirukadaiyur, about 10 km west of Tiruvarur, is an ancient Shiva temple particularly famous for its association with longevity blessings and the Sashtiabdapoorthi ritual, performed when a person reaches their 60th year. The temple sees heavy traffic of pilgrims from across south India, especially on weekends and festival days.
The temple architecture is fine Chola-era work, with an impressive gopuram and good carvings in the mandapam. The inner sanctum contains the main lingam, Amirthakadeswarar, and the goddess Abhirami, whose worship here has its own devotional tradition. The surrounding small town of Thirukadaiyur is otherwise quiet, making the contrast between the busy temple and the sleepy streets around it all the more striking. Combine with the main Tiruvarur temple for a morning circuit.