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.

The city of Kattumannargudi with the two temples of Shiva and Vishnu was a creation of Parantaka I (907 - 954) himself. The principal deity of this Shiva temple is called Anantisvarasvami. The original temple dates back to the reign of Parantaka I (940 CE) but the present fabric of the temple dates to Aditya II's time (960-965 CE). For example, the decorative carving on the wall pilasters indicates a date late in Parantaka's reign or post-Parantaka. The temple is preserved almost intact with only a few modifications. A feature particular to this temple that hasn't been seen before or never repeated afterwards is the introduction of a decorative motif of goose (hamsa) pairs above the basal block (homa) of the pilasters. References: S.R. Balasubrahmanyam, 1971, p.72-78 and Meister and Dhaky, 1963, pp.178-179.

According to an inscription dated in the sixteenth year of Uttama Chola (987 CE), the Apatsahayesvara temple at Aduthurai was rebuilt in stone by Sembiyan Mahadevi who had the previous grants to the temple re-engraved. The reconstruction was probably done around 987 CE. The ornamentation of the superstructure (vimana), pilasters and the moulded base are typical of the Mahadevi phase. References: M.W. Meister and M.A. Dhaky 1963, pp.188-189.

The Apatsahayesvara temple at Tiruppalanam belongs to the reign of Aditya I (871-907 CE). This is a unique temple owing to the account of the plan of its superstructure (vimana) and half hall (ardhamandapa) and disposition of the associated imagery. The earliest inscription that can be definitely ascribed to Aditya is from 884 CE. The figures of the divinity niches (devakoshthas) are so much covered with stucco that the fine original figures cannot be recognised. Though an unusual temple, this temple does not have a following. References: S.R. Balasubrahmanyam, 1966, pp.153-156, M.W. Meister and M.A. Dhaky, 1963, p.158.

At the Arunajatesvara temple in Tiruppanandal, a female Asuri, Tatakai is said to have adored the Lord with garlands every day. So the temple is also called Tiruttatakai Isvaram. Sambandar and Appar have sung the glory of the Lord at this place. One of the Saiva saints associated with this place is Kungiliyak-kalaya Nayanar (one of the sixty-three Nayanars) of Tirukkadavur who served the Lord by burning incense before Him. His wife was driven to poverty by his self-sacrificial behaviour but the Lord was so impressed by his single-minded devotion that he raised a mansion for his devotee. This miracle is said to have wrought here. Another miracle associated with this place is that the Lord had turned His face to one eye to save Tatakai’s modesty while accepting a garland offered by her. Only Kungiliyak-Kalaya Nayanar could restore the Lord to his original position. The present structure of the temple seems to belong to the days of Prantaka I (907 – 954 CE). There are two inscriptions of the twenty-ninth year of Parantaka I. Reference: S.R. Balasubrahmanyam, 1966, pp.178-179.

The Bhumisvara Siva temple at Viralur does not have any inscriptions on the walls of the temple. But considering the architectural features, it has been assigned to Vijayalaya’s reign (850 -871 CE). Its grandeur lies in the simplicity of its structure and sculptures and the bell-shaped crowning cupola (sikhara) that is crowned by a bulbous finial (stupi). References: S.R. Balasubrahmanyam, 1966, pp.56-57