Lord Nataraja is said to have performed his cosmic dance in this place and there is a unique temple dedicated to this form of shiva. The complex is said to be the oldest in Southern India. It covers 13 hectares and has four Gopuram. Two of the Gopuram are carved with the 108 classical postures of nataraja, shiva in his role as the cosmic dancer. Other notable features of the temple are the 1000 pillared hall, the nritta sabha court carved out like a gigantic chariot, and the image of nataraja himself in the inner sanctum.