Elur Kailasanathar / Theneeswarar Temple, Namakkal

Address

Elur Kailasanathar / Theneeswarar Temple, Elur, via Puduchatram, Namakkal District – 637 018 Mobile: +91 98650 13481 / 80121 27189 / 96267 84010 / 97875 38452

Diety

Kailasanathar / Theneeswarar Amman: Visalakshi / Thenukambigai

Introduction

Kailasanathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Elur Village in Namakkal District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar / Theneeswarar and Mother is called as Visalakshi / Thenukambigai. Elur is situated near Agaram and hence this village is also called as Agaram Elur. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar.

Puranic Significance

Elur was known as Ezhur in the past. It was the head of seven Nadus in ancient Kongu Nadu region of Tamil Nadu. The seven Nadus were Perumpalappatti, Perumagoundanpatti, Vandipalayam, Veppampatti, Puthupatti, Kannanpatti and Ezhur. The Temple is believed to be constructed by karikala Chola. The temple has only one stone inscription. The temple was destroyed and probably looted when Tamil Nadu was under the rule of the Nawabs. Only the imposing Sivalingam of Kailasanathar, the idol of Visalakshi and the idol of pancha Naga remained. The foundation stone of the present temple was laid by Thiru Muruga Kirupanandha Variyar on 13.4.1981, and the temple was built by the villagers and kumbabhishekam was performed in 1990.

Special Features

This is a small east facing Temple. There is no Dwajastambam or flagstaff but a stone Vilakku Thoon or Deepastambam, which is unique to the temples of Kongu Nadu, is seen. This is a unique stone pillar with sculptures of Shiva Linga, Dakshinamurthy, Nandi and Durga carved on all four sides of the pillar. There is a pillared mandapam in front of the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar / Theneeswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy. He is about 5 feet tall housed in a 9 feet Avudaiyar. Nandhi, located on the outer courtyard, can be found facing the sanctum. Mother is called as Visalakshi / Thenukambigai. She is housed in a separate small shrine. Her shrine is located to the right side of the sanctum. There are shrines for Suryan, Chandran, Vinayagar, Panchalingam, Balamurugan, Durga, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswarar, Navagrahas, and Kala Bhairavar in the Temple premises. There are no shops near the temple selling puja articles. Buy flower garlands and puja offerings either in Rasipuram or in Namakkal.