It is believed that Kaviaramalai, a place ruled by feudal ruler of Sangam Age, Aiy Andiran is this place Saint Arunagirinadhar praised this shrine in his hymns. It has become a place of tourism attraction now-a-days, as it is surrounded by Western Ghats and with road approach atop the hillock.
Lord Shiva, the paramount God of Saivism and Lord Vishnu, the Superior God of Vaishnavism conjoin together in a same idol with name Sankaranarayanar. It symbolizes unity of Saivism and Vaishnavism, two major parts of Hindu Religion. A temple built in the 10th century A.D, it poses as an example of marvelous architecture that the sunlight of dawn enters the sanctum of Lord Sankaralinga Swamy on the days of equinox viz., 21,22 & 23rd days of the months of March and September every year. The ten days festival in the month of July known as Adi Tapasu commemorating the penance done by Gomathi Amman, the consort of Lord Sankaralinga Swamy attracts a lot of devotees. This temple is the chief of Panchabootha Sthalas of South, the five places each of which represents one of the five elements. The element typified here is Earth.
Antiquity of this temple can be traced in Sangam Age Tamil Literature. It is believed that Sage Agastiyar had converted the idol of Vishnu into a Shivalinga here. This temple is referred to in Devaram sung by Saint Thirugnana Sambanthar ascribed to the Seventh Century A.D. Saivite Saints Sundarar and Manickavasakar too sung in praise of this shrine. Saint Arunagirinathar referred this shrine in his hymns. Chitra Sabha, one among the five famous dancing halls where Lord Nataraja performs his cosmic dance is located here. Location: Courtallam | Distance from the resort: 1.5 km| Driving Time: 5 mins
