Sprinkled over the landscape of Tamil Nadu are eight temples dedicated to Shiva in his terrific form as the destroyer of everything evil. These eight temples, often collectively known among the Shaivites as the Ashta Veeratta Sthalas, or the eight holy places where the Lord revealed his wrath and strength, stand in testimony of the basic facet of Hinduism that God will indeed protect us from all evil, whatever maybe the cause. These eight temples are worth a visit not only for their sanctity but also for the rare bronze idols or utsavars of the Lord. They are unique in their form and structure, and have to be indeed seen to be admired.