Tirukalikundram, 17 km from Mahābalipuram, is a village dedicated to Śiva, known for its fruit, vegetable and flower market at the foot of the hill of the sacred eagles.
The Vedagirishvara temple, at the summit
Atop a rocky, wooded peak (16th century) overlooking the village, the Vedagirishvara temple is reached barefoot, after 571 steps. The view is magnificent: you take in the whole region, the great tank and the temple below. Legend has it that, until the death of an old Brahmin, two white eagles came each day to eat from his hand.
The Bhaktavatsaleshwara temple
The lower temple, Bhaktavatsaleshwara, is also worth a visit: four gopuram, two enclosures, and in the holy of holies, Gaṇeśa at the feet of Śiva in the form of the lingam.
Bring water for the climb.
