- June 14, 2025
Last updated on June 24, 2025
| Sivastalam Name | Arulmigu Swetharanyeswarar Temple, Erukathampuliyur |
|---|---|
| Moolavar | Thirukumarasamy (Swetharanyeswarar), Neelakanteswarar |
| Amman/Thayar | Veeramulaiyammal (Abinnakusanayaki), Neelothpalambigai (Neelamalarkanni Ammai) |
| Sthala Vriksham | White Erukku (Calotropis gigantea) |
| Theertham | Kandam, Sengazhuneer, Neelothpavam, Swetham |
| Ancient Names | Erukathampuliyur, Kumaresapattinam, Thiruverukathampuliyur |
| Village | Rajendrapattinam |
| District | Cuddalore |
Thennādudaiya Sivanē Pōtri
Ennāttavarkkum Iraivā Pōtri
Located in Rajendrapattinam village, Cuddalore District, the Erukathampuliyur Swetharanyeswarar Temple is a unique and significant spiritual destination in Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage. This temple is revered as one of the “Nadunattu Thalangal” (temples in the central region) sung by Thirugnanasambandar in Tevaram hymns. Here, Lord Thirukumarasamy (Swetharanyeswarar) blesses devotees as the presiding deity, while the Goddess Veeramulaiyammal (Abinnakusanayaki) graces them with her divine presence.
In ancient times, this village was known by various names such as Erukathampuliyur, Kumaresapattinam, and Thiruverukathampuliyur. The evolution of these names signifies how the temple’s identity and its spiritual and historical importance have transformed over time. The name ‘Erukathampuliyur’ refers to the Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree), the white Erukku, and the worship by the sage Vyagrapada. ‘Kumaresapattinam’ is associated with Lord Muruga’s worship. Later, due to the royal patronage and renovations by Rajendra Chola, the village was named ‘Rajendrapattinam.’
The Erukathampuliyur Swetharanyeswarar Temple holds the esteemed glory of being sung by Thirugnanasambandar, who lived in the 7th century CE, in his Tevaram hymns. Among the 276 Shiva temples praised in Tevaram, this is the 215th in the “Nadunattu Thalam” category. This distinction as a Tevaram-sung temple confirms its antiquity and its high spiritual status in Shaivism.
An important story of Lord Muruga is embedded in this temple’s history. When Lord Shiva was explaining the essence of the Vedas and Agamas to Goddess Parvati in Kailash, Parvati, due to her inattentiveness, was cursed by Shiva to be born as a fisherwoman. Enraged by this, Lord Muruga threw the Vedic scriptures, which had caused his mother to be cursed, into the ocean. For this offense, Lord Shiva cursed Muruga to be born as a mute child in a merchant family in Madurai.
Murugan was born in Madurai as “Rudrasarmar” to parents Dhanapathi and Gunasalini. Upon reaching an appropriate age, he visited and worshipped at various Shiva temples, finally arriving at Erukathampuliyur. Here, he consecrated a Lingam, worshipped Shiva, and regained his lost speech. As Kumaran (Murugan) worshipped here, the presiding Shiva deity came to be known as “Kumarasamy.” The idol of Rudrasarmar is still present in this temple. This event, where the intelligent Lord Muruga regained his speech, makes this temple a powerful place believed to offer relief to those with speech impediments.
Sage Vyagrapada, who had the feet of a tiger and the eyes of a tiger, received this boon to gather flowers early in the morning to offer to the Lord. This sage worshipped Lord Shiva in this sacred place. Since the area was a forest dense with white Erukku trees, it came to be known as ‘Erukathampuliyur.’ This highlights the natural and ascetic sanctity of the temple. The penance and worship of sages further add to the spiritual glory of this place.
This temple has a close historical connection with significant kings of the Chola empire. Rajaraja Chola worshipped Lord Shiva here, seeking the boon of a child, and as a result, Rajendra Chola was born to him. Rajendra Chola later undertook extensive renovations and contributions to this temple. It was due to his royal patronage and improvements that the village received its new name, ‘Rajendrapattinam.’ Some records also indicate that Rajendra Chola sought a marriage boon at this temple.
The temple is estimated to be between 1000 and 2000 years old. It is managed under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, ensuring its long-term preservation and continuous worship.
This temple is one of the five Pancha Puliyur temples. The other four are Thirupathiripuliyur, Perumparappuliyur (Chidambaram), Kaanattampuliyur, and Omampuliyur. This categorization establishes the temple not just as an individual place of worship but as part of a larger spiritual network.
The temple features a majestic five-tiered Rajagopuram, showcasing its grandeur and artistic craftsmanship. Upon entering through the gopuram, devotees are greeted by the Balipeetam (sacrificial altar), Kodimaram (flagpole), and Nandi Mandapam. To the right, there’s a small shrine for Ganesha. In the outer circumambulatory path, to the left, are shrines for the Navagrahas (nine planets) and the Nalvar (four great Shaivite saints: Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar, and Manikkavasagar). This layout guides devotees progressively towards the spiritual center.
The Moolavar (presiding deity) of this temple, Thirukumarasamy (Swetharanyeswarar), is a Swayambhu Moorthy, meaning a self-manifested Lingam not sculpted by human hands. This confirms the spiritual sanctity of the temple and its natural divine energy. The Goddess Veeramulaiyammal (Abinnakusanayaki) graces devotees from her separate shrine. Besides these, there are individual shrines for deities like Mahaganapathi, Viswanathar Visalakshi, Murugar, and Lakshmi. In the circumambulatory path, there’s also a shrine for Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivanai.
The external walls of the Moolavar shrine feature Koshta Moorthies (niche deities) including Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhavar, Brahma, and Durga. These sculptures are crafted according to Shaiva Agamic traditions, reflecting the temple’s sculptural art and scriptural adherence.
This temple is the sacred birthplace of Thiruneelakanda Yazhpanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars. His idol, along with that of his consort Mathanga Choolamaniyar, is situated here. Thiruneelakanda Yazhpanar was renowned for his mastery of the Yazh (a stringed instrument) and played a crucial role in the Bhakti movement. This also adds cultural significance to the temple, attracting not only devotees but also art enthusiasts and scholars of devotional literature.
One of the unique features of this temple is that every year from March 16th to 20th, the sunlight directly falls on the Moolavar, Swetharanyeswarar. This is an incredible testament to the astronomical and architectural knowledge of ancient builders. This event is believed to be Lord Surya (the Sun God) worshipping Lord Shiva. Since it occurs close to the Vernal Equinox, special rituals are performed on these days, and devotees believe that divine energy is amplified during this period.
The presiding deity of this temple is a Swayambhu Moorthy, a self-manifested Lingam that was not carved by human hands. This affirms the spiritual sanctity of the temple and its inherent divine power. Furthermore, it is the 215th among the 276 Shiva temples sung in Tevaram hymns. These two aspects underscore the temple’s divine nature and historical antiquity.
The Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree) of this temple, the white Erukku, holds both spiritual and medicinal significance. It is particularly believed to have the power to cure leprosy, a belief linked to the story of King Suvedan. The white Erukku, considered very dear to Lord Shiva, stands as a unique symbol of this temple.
The fact that a great emperor like Rajaraja Chola prayed to Lord Shiva here for progeny, and as a result, a mighty successor like Rajendra Chola was born, is one of the temple’s greatest glories. It is because of this event that the place gained the name ‘Rajendrapattinam.’ This incident timelessly demonstrates the importance of the Chola empire and the grace of this temple. It is a direct testament to the temple’s power and its crucial role in the continuation of a royal lineage.
King Suvedan, afflicted with leprosy due to past karma, bathed in the temple’s Theertham, performed Shiva Puja, and was cured of his disease. This story highlights the healing power of the temple’s sacred waters and the Lord’s grace. Just as Lord Muruga’s story signifies relief from internal ailments (speech impediments), King Suvedan’s story demonstrates the temple’s ability to cure physical ailments. This instills hope in devotees seeking solutions for health issues.
It is a deeply held belief among devotees that just as the intelligent Lord Muruga regained his speech, individuals who are unable to speak due to fear, anger, or other impediments, despite having the ability, can find relief by worshipping here. This is one of the major spiritual benefits of this temple, particularly for improving speech in children and adults. This belief is directly linked to the puranic story of Lord Muruga, confirming the temple’s unique healing power.
Upon hearing about the spiritual glory of this temple, Devas and sages came here, transforming into birds and trees to worship Lord Shiva. However, when hunters tried to trouble them, Shiva appeared and told them to “transform into useless white Erukku trees and continue your worship,” then disappeared. Even today, the white Erukku serves as the Sthala Vriksham near the Moolavar shrine, reminding us of the temple’s divine nature and the devotion of its worshippers.
Devotees offer prayers at this temple for various reasons. Particularly, those with speech impediments and those seeking child boon come here to worship the Lord. The story of Lord Muruga regaining his speech and Rajaraja Chola being blessed with progeny reinforces these prayers.
Upon fulfillment of their prayers, devotees perform Abhishekam (sacred bath) for Lord Shiva and Ambigai, and offer new clothes as their Nettikkadan (vow). This is considered an expression of devotion and gratitude.
The main festival celebrated at this temple is Maha Shivaratri. During this festival, a large number of devotees visit the temple to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva and attain spiritual benefits.
For the convenience of devotees, the Arulmigu Swetharanyeswarar [Thirukumarasamy] Temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the morning and from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening.
This Sivastalam is located on the Vriddhachalam – Andimadam – Jayankondam road. The nearest railway station is Vriddhachalam. You can also reach this temple, which is near Srimushnam, by traveling on the Srimushnam – Vriddhachalam route.
Erukathampuliyur Temple Contact Number: +91-4143243533, +91-9360637784
Arulmigu Thiruneelakandeswarar Temple
Rajendrapattinam Post
Vriddhachalam Taluk
Cuddalore District
PIN – 608703
