After our visit to Thiruneermalai, we had just one hour to reach an ASI site near Selaiyur. This particular site houses a Shiva temple, and the lingam within is only a few inches in height. With less than 10 minutes to spare, we had the chance to behold this exquisite beauty, which was also a remarkably tranquil place.

This ancient Shiva temple, dating back over 1000 years, was discovered only in recent times. It falls under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and it boasts architecture from the Chola period, specifically during the reign of King Parantaka Chola in the 10th century.

According to legend, Lord Shiva granted moksha (liberation) to Sage Kapila, who was in the form of a cow (Denu in Sanskrit). This divine event took place as the cow offered milk over a small Siva linga buried beneath the earth, measuring just a few inches in length. The construction of the temple serves as a commemoration of this event, as revealed in a dream to the king.

Additionally, the temple exhibits Vijayanagara architecture, particularly noticeable in its entrance door. The intriguing part of this discovery is that it emerged from ruins. A devotee of Mahaperiyava, after building a home in Selaiyur, sought His blessings. Mahaperiyava not only blessed him but also informed him about the ancient Siva temple lying in ruins in the village of Madambakkam near Selaiyur. This temple was subsequently discovered and meticulously restored, and it is now under the care of the ASI.