that your coming out of mother's womb and also explains Hindu's belief of rebirth. Hence, exit is called Gate of Birth (Tamil: பிறப்பு வாசல்). There is another belief that by completing this circumambulatory passage the possibility of rebirth is not there and you shall attain Moksha. Such passage is UNIQUE, explaining the life cycle including aging process, death and rebirth. Maha Shivaratri is the biggest festival held in the temple when thousand of devotees throng the temple in the evening hours to offer prayers to the main deity. Notes References Shiva temples in Kanchipuram district Hindu temples in Kanchipuram Archaeological monuments in Tamil Nadu 8th-century Hindu temples Sandstone buildings in India Pallava architecture