Ethapur Sri Sambamoortheeswarar Temple, Salem

Address

Ethapur Sri Sambamoortheeswarar Temple, Ethapur, Salem district -636 117,Tamilnadu. Phone: +91 – 4282 – 270 210

Diety

Sri Sambamoortheeswarar Amman: Manonmani

Introduction

The Sambamoortheeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the oldest and famous temples. It is located in a place with historical and mythological significance.

The Sambamoortheeswarar Temple is situated in a location referred to as “Vasishtronum,” associated with Sage Vasishta, one of the Sapta Rishis (seven great Rishis).
The temple is known to be located on Vashista Nadhi, and it belongs to the Panchabhoodha Sthalas related to “Appu” or Water element.
This temple is said to be around 1,000 years old.

Puranic Significance

Mythological Stories:

Indira’s Curse on Sage Gautama: Indra conducted a yajna at this place to retain his position as the king of the Devas. Sage Gautama offered a flower to Indirani, which distracted her from the yajna. In anger, Indra cursed Gautama to be separated from his wife. The sage installed a Shivalinga at this location and worshipped Lord Shiva. Eventually, during the month of Masi (February-March), while the Sun was worshipping Lord Shiva, Gautama was granted darshan and relief from Indira’s curse, reuniting with his wife.
Ambica’s Penance on Lord Shiva: Ambica attended her father Daksha’s yagna, even though Lord Shiva was not invited. This angered Lord Shiva, who came to this place to seek peace of mind. Ambica and Lord Vishnu, her brother, came to this place and performed penance to seek Lord Shiva’s forgiveness. Lord Shiva granted darshan to his consort under the Vilwa tree and forgave her. This Vilwa tree is located within the temple premises.

Beliefs

People pray here for solutions to family problem, health and realizing their wishes. They pray to Chaturveda Linga for achieving excellence in academic field. Devotees perform abishek to Lord with milk and offer vastras.

Special Features

Deities:

The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Sambamoortheeswarar, and the mother goddess is called Manonmani.
Lord Muruga is also present in the temple with a unique representation: three faces in the front and three at the back.
The temple houses a Swayambu Linga, a self-manifested Shiva Linga.
During the first week of the Masi month (February-March), it is believed that Sun God worships Lord Shiva by spreading his rays on the deity.
In addition to Lord Shiva, the temple features Chaturveda Lingas, Pancha Lingas, and a shrine dedicated to Mother Jeshtadevi.
Lord Pradhana Vinayaka is also present in the temple.
The temple has a three-tier Rajagopuram facing east.