Ilumbayamkottur

Paadal Petra Sthalams

God

Arambeswarar (also Deivanayaga Peruman, Chandrasekarar), facing east

Goddess

Kanagakujambigai (also Kodenthu Mulaiammai, Kadir Mulaiammai, Thaayinumnallal), facing south

Other Deities

Kurundha Vinayagar, Nritha Ganapathy, Yogadakshinamurthy, Perumal, Brahma, Durgai, Subramaniya with consorts, Arambainadar, Bhairava, Surya

Ilumbayamkottur is an east facing temple on the banks of the river Koovam. A small temple which was being renovated a few years back. In 1984 a lightning struck the temple and the Nataraja Mantapa, Goddess Shrine and Mahamantapa were damaged badly. There was no Rajagopuram at the time but plans are on to build one. The Aavudayar is large and the base is in the shape of a Lotus.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Chandra Theertham, Ramba Theertham, Malligai Theertham, Thamarai Theertham, Boothagana Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vilvam (Aegle marmelos), Wood Jasmine (Millingtonia hortensis)

History

Thirugnanasambandar (7th Century CE) has rendered thevaram hymns for the lord here. Stone inscriptions belonging to Pandya King Jadavarman Sundarapandyan mention this place as ‘Manavirkottathuk Kandrur Naattin Payyankottur’ and ‘Chaturvedimangalam Ilumbayamkottur’.

Legend

Thirugnanasambandar was led to this place by Lord Shiva in the form of a boy, an old man and a cow. Ramba, Thilothama and Urvasi(arambamadar) are believed to have performed poojas here and hence the name of the lord. Lord Shiva fought Asuras from Thiruvirkolam on the banks of Ksheera River (today’s Koovam River). The spot from which Devas watched Lord Shiva across the river became Ilumbayamkottur. The lord is also known as Deivanageswarar since the Devas worshiped him here. Chandra worshiped the lord here with jasmine flowers to rid himself of the curse of Daksha.

Directions

At the Thandalam junction in the Chennai-Bangalore highway, take the fork on the right adjoining the Empee Distilleries plant (Arkonam Road) and proceed for about 23 kilometers to reach a signboard 3 kilometers before Perambakkam to the Koovam temple. From here proceed ahead and inquire to reach the temple. The markings are not clear, but it is easy once you reach the Narasimhar temple at Narasingapuram.

Stay and Food

None in the area. Motel Highway’s Hotel Durga Prasad and Sri Krishna Sweets provide decent food and snacks in Poonamallee.

Paadal Petra Sthalams

Kancheepuram Temples

Tamilnadu Temples