Nansei Idayaru Sri Eyilinathar Temple, Namakkal

Address

Nansei Idayaru Sri Eyilinathar Temple, Paramathivelur, Nansei Idayaru, Namakkal District- 637207, Tamilnadu

Deity

Sri Eyilinathar Amman: Sundaravalli.

Introduction

• Location: The Eyilinathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Nansei Idayaru Village, near Paramathi Velur in the Namakkal District of Tamil Nadu.
• Swayambumurthy: The temple houses a Swayambumurthy, a self-manifested lingam, making it a significant site for worship.
• Historical Background: According to historical records, the temple was constructed by Rajaraja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola during the 10th century.

Puranic Significance

• Connection to the Pancha Pandavas: The temple is among the five temples with Swayambu lingams located on the banks of the Manimuthar River that were worshipped by Beema, one of the Pancha Pandava brothers known for his immense strength.
• Legend of Beema: Despite his good nature, Beema’s pride in his strength led him to believe he was unconquerable. To teach him humility, Lord Vishnu invoked Lord Shiva, who created a powerful creature called Purushamirugam. Overwhelmed by its might, Beema fled, calling out for help. He ultimately sought refuge and grace from Lord Shiva and performed pujas at five sacred sites, including this temple.
• Other Temples: The five temples worshipped by Beema include:
  • Salem Sukhavaneswarar
  • Uthamachozhapuram Karapuranathar
  • Pillur Veeratteswarar
  • Paramathi Beemeswarar
  • Nan Sei Idayaru Eyilinathar

Beliefs

• Devotional Practices: Devotees frequent the temple to pray for the removal of obstacles in marriage, the blessing of children, and progress in education.
• Ritual Offerings: Common practices include performing abishek (ritual bathing) and offering vastras (clothes) to Lord Eyilinathar and the goddess Sundaravalli.

Special Features

• Swayambulinga: The temple features a Swayambulingam, a naturally occurring lingam, which is considered to be a chosen site of worship by the divine. Eyilinathar Temple is one of the five important temples in the Salem and Namakkal districts with such significance.
• Natural Fertility: The area, known as Nan Sei Idayaru, is fertile and lies between the Cauvery River and its tributary, Manimutharu. The name reflects the region’s agricultural richness.
• Architecture and Deities: The temple complex houses shrines for various deities, including:
  • Lord Vinayaka
  • Lord Muruga (with consorts Valli and Deivanai)
  • Dakshinamurthy
  • Chandikeswara
  • Saneeswarar (Saturn)
  • Bhairava
  • Nalvar (the four Saivite saints: Gnanasambandar, Tirunavukkarasar, Sundarar, and Manickavasagar)
  • Nandideva
• Wedding Hall: The temple offers a wedding hall free of cost for locals to conduct family marriages, reflecting the temple’s commitment to the community.

Festivals

• Margazhi Tiruvadhirai: Celebrated in December-January, this festival is significant for devotees as it honors the divine and the temple’s traditions.
• Mahasivarathri: Held in February-March, this major festival dedicated to Lord Shiva attracts numerous devotees who participate in night-long vigils and worship.

Century/Period/Age

10th century.

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Nansei Idayaru

Nearest Railway Station

Namakkal

Nearest Airport

Coimbatore

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