Erumbur Kadambavaneswarar Temple, Cuddalore

Address

Erumbur,

Cuddalore district,

Tamil Nadu 608704

Moolavar

Kadambavaneswarar

Amman

Kalyana Sundari

Introduction

Location and Deities
Kadambavaneswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (Kadambavaneswarar) and Goddess Parvati (Kalyana Sundari), is located in Erumbur Village, Chidambaram Taluk, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu. Historically known as Urumur Siru Tirukkoyil Perumanadigal, the temple blends Pallava and Chola architectural styles.

Significance
The temple is the third of the seven Guru Sthalams in Tamil Nadu. Visiting this temple, along with Virudhachalam and Chidambaram temples on the same day, is believed to bring wealth. Built during the late Pallava and early Chola reigns, the temple is 1500 years old.

Puranic Importance

Named “Erumbur” after a legendary incident where a woman’s bones turned into flowers, proving her chastity.
Lord Shiva is said to have appeared in King Aparajita’s dream, prompting the temple’s construction.
The region was historically called “Kadambavanam,” located near the Kadambaaru River.

Architectural Features
The temple’s main shrine includes the sanctum and ardhamandapam, with exquisite early Chola sculptures. Unique features include:

Dakshinamurthy in a rare Arthanareeswarar form with detailed carvings of animals and jewels.
Yoga Arunachaleswarar seated on a lotus in place of Lingodbhava.
Brahma, uniquely depicted in a seated posture.

The temple once had eight subsidiary shrines for Ashta Parivara Devatas, a characteristic of early Chola temples, now lost. Additional structures include a mukha mandapa, Goddess shrine, Navagraha shrine, and a shrine for Lord Muruga.

Beliefs and Devotion
Devotees pray to Dakshinamurthy for knowledge and overcoming obstacles, especially on Guru Peyarchi days. The temple’s Sthala Vriksham is the Kadamba tree, and its sacred pond is Easwaran Kulam.

Festivals
Shiva-related festivals, particularly Masi Magam, are celebrated grandly.

This has been extracted from,

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com