Sambamoortheeswarar Ethapur

Sambamoortheeswarar Ethapur is one of the Pancha Bhootha (five) Lingam temples situated on the banks of the Vasishta River representing Appu (Water). The others are Vayu (Air – Aragalur), Prithvi (Earth – Belur), Agni (Fire – Attur), and Akasam (Sky – Uthamacholapuram). Sambamoortheeswarar Ethapur is an east-facing temple with a 3 tiered Rajagopuram on the entrance in the east. There is a Dwajasthambam and a 12 pillared Mukha Mandapam in front of the gopuram. The gopuram leads into the single prakaram inside. The front portion of the Mahamandapam extends to the sides and opens into the Prakaram on both sides. A balipeedam, Flagstaff, and Nandi are in front of the main deity in the prakaram. On the south side is a cloistered Mandapam with 63 Nayanmars. On the west side is another group of cloistered Mandapams with the Pancha Bhootha Lingams and other deities. There are flowering plants in the Prakaram. Further ahead of the Nandi both the main deity and goddess are visible from one spot. An Ardha Mandapam is in front of the main deity and goddess. There are two large and beautiful Dwarapalakas before the Ardha Mandapam of the main deity. There is a Nandi before Surya here at Sambamoortheeswarar Ethapur. The rays of the sun fall on the main deity for 7 days in the Tamil months of Aippasi (October-November) and Masi (February-March). The Vasishta river flows on the south and east of Sambamoortheeswarar Ethapur. The Sambamoortheeswarar Ethapur temple is also called Vasishtaranya Kshetram.