Ekambareswarar, Chettikulam

Saivite Temples, Perambalur District

God

Ekambareswarar, facing east

Goddess

Kamakshiammal, facing east

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Varaguna Ganapathi, Muruga with consorts, Mahakubera, 12 forms of Kubera

Ekambareswarar Chettikulam has a grand 7 tiered Rajagopuram, 7 Mantapas and 7 Entrances before you reach the Sanctum Sanctorum. The goddess is in a separate shrine in the outer Prakaram. A large temple tank is behind the temple on the west. Kubera is seen here beautifully carved on his fish vehicle in 12 different forms for each of the 12 zodiac signs.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Sivaganga

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vilwam (Aegle marmelos)

History

Saint Arunagirinadar(15th Century CE) has sung the glory of the lord here at Ekambareswarar Chettikulam. The temple dates back to the Chola Period, said to have been constructed by Parantaka Chola and Kulasekara Pandya.

Legend

In ancient days this place was a Kadamba tree (Neolamarckia cadamba) forest. A trader staying here one night saw a large mass of fire in the midst of which was a Shivalinga being worshiped by Devas and Rishis and informed the Chola king Parantaka.  The Chola king along with Kulasekhara Pandiyan came here and were met by an old man with a sugarcane for a walking stick. He voluntarily took them to the Lingam and disappeared, reappearing as Lord Muruga on top of a hill opposite. The kings in great ecstasy built both Ekambareswarar Chettikulam and Dhandayuthapani temples here.

Directions

Ekambareswarar Chettikulam is about 8 kilometers from the Chennai – Thiruchirapalli highway after crossing Siruvachur. Alathur gate is the place where you can take a turn to west.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Thiruchirapalli or Permbalur.

Saivite Temples
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