Ekampareshwarar and Thandayudhapani Temple

Getting there

• By road

  The temple is about 18 km south of Perambalur town.

• By train

  The temple is about 40 km north of Trichy Junction, and 58 km west of Ariyalur station.

• By air

  By air, the temple is about 40 km north of Trichy.

Why devotees come here

The Ekampareshwarar temple in Perambalur district is called the core of Chettikulam. Its Thandayuthapani shrine stands on a hill nearby, where Muruga is worshipped.

The Ekampareshwarar temple is called the core of Chettikulam. On a hill nearby stands the Thandayuthapani temple, where Muruga is worshipped, holding a sugar cane. Kamatchi Amman is worshipped here too.

Legend says a trader saw a flash of light at midnight, in the form of a Shivalinga, among divine beings and saints. An old man holding a sugar cane then showed the kings where the linga lay. The kings then saw Muruga on a small hill, holding a sugar cane.

Kulasekara Pandian is credited with building both the Ekampareshwarar and Thandayuthapani temples at the same time. Thai Poosam is celebrated at the Ekampareshwarar temple in a way that is unique to the place. The Panguni festival is held in a grand manner every year. It brings Thandayuthapani down the hill to give darshan to devotees.

Festivals

• Thai monthThai Poosam

  Celebrated at the Ekampareshwarar temple in a way that is unique to the place.

• Panguni monthPanguni festival

  Opens with a flag hoisting. For 14 days there is special abhishegam and decoration, and Thandayuthapani comes down the hill to give darshan to devotees.

Tips for your visit

• On certain dates in Panguni month, the sun's rays fall on the Shivalinga at dawn.
• Devotees who pray for a child fast on shasti days and tie a cradle on the Vilva tree.
• Kubera Homam is performed every month on the Poorattadhi birth star, with special prayers.

Questions people ask