Famous Temples in India

Religious Significance

Thirunavukkarasar (7th century C.E.) has rendered Thevaram Hymns here. The Lord is said to have been worshiped here by Indra and other Devas in the form of Ants (Erumbu) and thus the name. Vishnu, Brahma and Naimisaranya Sages have also worshiped here. Lord Muruga, Brahman, Rathi, Indra, Agni, Agasthyar, Naimisa Munivar, Kattangazhi Swamiji.

Puranas reference : Appar, a 7th-century Tamil Saivite saint poet and Nayanmar, has revered Erumbeeswarar and the temple in his verses in Tevaram, compiled as the Fifth Thirumurai. Appar has glorified the temple in nine poems referring the place as "Erumbiyur" and the deity as "Erumbiyur Eesan", meaning god of Erumbiyur. Manickavasagar, 9th century Tamil saint & poet have revered Erumbeeswarar in his work, Thiruvasagam. Tiruverumbiyur Puranam is a religious work that describes the religious history of the temple. Ramalinga Swamigal (1823-74 C.E.) has revered Erumbeeswarar and the temple in his religious work, Thiruvarutpa.

Threat during invasions : The temple was the only temple that Malik Kafur (1296-1316 C.E.) could not conquer in 1311 C.E., during his South Indian expedition. During the war between British & French during 1752, the temple acted as an infantry for the French troops.

Legends Rathi praying to Erumbeeswarar : It is believed that Rathi, wife of Manmadan, the lord of love (Cupid) prayed to Erumbeeswarar to make her humble and less proud of her beauty. Fight between Vayu & Adiseshan: This temple hill is said to be a piece of the legendary Mount Meru. Once Vayu – the Wind God - and the divine serpent Adiseshan had a competition to decide who had greater physical strength. Vayu broke a piece of the holy mountain and it landed in these parts of the world.