This Shiva temple is located at the base of a small hill, nestled on the banks of the 'Varaha' river, and boasts a 7-tier Rajagopuram that faces east, as well as three prakarams. Upon passing through the entrance, to the right, one will find the 'Ashtabujakali' Temple, which faces north. It is believed that Mahavishnu fought and vanquished the demon Vakkrasura at this very location. When Vakkrasura was defeated, the blood from his body fell to the ground, and from each drop of blood, a new demon sprouted. Kali, in order to prevent the emergence of new demons from the spilled blood, absorbed and swallowed the droplets with her mouth. Vakkirasura's younger sister Dunmuki was also defeated by Ashtabhujakali when she came to engage in battle. As Dunmukhi was pregnant at the time of her battle, Kali safeguarded the fetus by wearing it as a jhumka in Her ear, while defeating Dunmukhi.
The front of Kali's sanctuary is adorned with figures of 4 'Balaki's, and She is known as Vakkara-Kali. A large number of devotees throng the temple of Vakkarakali seeking blessings for auspiciousness, childbirth, a happy married life, and good fortune. Special pujas are conducted for Vakkara Kali on the day of the full moon. Interestingly, this temple is more well-known as 'Vakkara Kali' temple, than as a Shiva temple. Directly across from Kali's sanctuary stands a west-facing Vakra Lingam, which was painted by Vakrasura. Upon passing the Kali Sannidhi and proceeding straight ahead, a hall with pillars adorned with lion faces can be found on the right. The adjacent three-tiered gopuram is known as 'Kili gopuram'. Situated opposite this gopuram is a sizable stone Nandi. To the left of the Gopuram is the a shrine for Ganesha.
Proceeding through the second Gopuram and within the inner prakaram, is Sage Kundali's Sannidhi. A Shiva Lingam is on the sage's samadhi. The goshta images here are Dakshinamurthy, Thirumal, and Varadaraja Perumal, with Garudalwar located opposite. Additionally, there is a Sahasralingam present in this area. Moving along further, is the sanctum of the presiding deity Chandrashekarar, with Dwara balaka's positioned on both sides of the entrance. In the inner most prakaram surrounding the santcum, are the idols of the primary four nayanmars, Dakshinamurthy, Vinayaka, Arumukha,Goddess Durga and Chandeshwarar. Aligned along the wall behind the sanctum are Brahma, Arthanareeshwarar and Bhairavar.
Chandrasekarar, the presiding diety appears as a three-faced Lingam, one facing east, one facing south and the thrid facing north - The three faces are called Tatpurusha, Akora and Vamadeva respectively and they represent Brahma, Vishnu and Rudhra. Tiruvakkarai temple is unique because of this Trimurthy Lingam.
Mahavishnu who destroyed the demon Vakrasuran, stands in the second prakram, as Varadharaja perumal holding His 'Prayoga Chakra'.
Because of its association with the demon Vakra, this place is known as Vakkarakarai. Various elements within the temple exhibit a twisted or 'Vakra' state, such as the Nataraja statue with a raised right leg symbolizing 'Vakra Thandavam'. The dwajasthambam, balipeetam and nandi too are not in alignment with the sanctum. Within the Navagraha Sannidhi too, the 'vahana' of saneeshwar is peculiarly facing south.
Rajagopuram
Lion faced pillars
Second gopuram
Nandhi mandapam
Inside view of the temple
Muruga with Valli and Deivanai
Navagraha
Vadivambikai Amman
Stucco Sculptures at the entrance
3 Tier Gopuram and Nandi Mandapam
Nagar in the outer prakaram