The Nataraja shrine located in the north east corner of the outer circumambulatory path in the Kalikambal temple housing impressive bronze images of Nataraja and Sivakami  is a scene of festivity twice a year.

The 10th day of the annual Bhramotsavam in the month of Vaikasi, normally coinciding with Vaikasi Vishakam witnesses the procession of Natarajar.

Arudra Darisanam is celebrated for a 10 day period in the month of Margazhi, when the image of Manikkavacakar is taken out in procession each day in the early hours of the morning.

The night before Arudra Darisanam (Tiruvadirai asterism - coinciding with the full moon in the tamil month of Margazhi) is celebrated with an abhishekam or a ritual ablution to Natarajar and Sivakami (as in all Saivite temples throughout the state).

Arudra Darisanam is celebrated  in the early hours of the following morning, when after the traditional lamp waving deepa aradhanai festivities, the cosmic dance of Shiva is re-enacted.

After a procession through the surrounding neighborhood, a mock quarrel between Nataraja and Sivakami is enacted (in a manner similar to the Tiruvoodal festival at Tiruvannamalai), when the image of Sivakami following Nataraja throughout the procession, overtakes him and enters the temple premises slamming the doors, disallowing Nataraja's entry. After peace is wrought between the divine couple, the image of Nataraja enters the temple, and is taken back to the original shrine, to be taken out again only after five months on the 10th day of the annual Bhramotsavam.