At Melakkadambur, there has been a Shiva temple since the Tamil saint Appar's time (seventh century CE). According to a local tradition, Indra worshipped the Lord here and obtained nectar hence the temple is called Amritaghatesvaram. From the inscriptions, it can be ascertained that this temple was in existence at the site even during the Early Chola Period. This temple has been preserved almost intact and is rich in sculptures. This temple is planned in the shape of a chariot on wheels drawn by horses. It was probably rebuilt in the days of Kulottunga I (1070-1122 CE). The walls of the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) and the half hall (ardhamandapa) are covered with sculptures in bas-relief. The bas-relief on the plinth illustrates scenes from the lives of Tamil saints. There are also some bronze figures in the temple and an interesting one is of Pala Natraja - Shiva dancing on Nandi. The style of the figures indicates a Pala origin and it has been suggested that it must have been a trophy brought by Rajendra I (1014-1044 CE) during his expedition in the Gangetic delta. The features of the temple make it very important from the point of view of evolution of South Indian architecture. References: S.R. Balasubrahmanyam, 1979, pp.118-125.