Sri Arambeswarar Temple, Ilambayankottur, Kanchipuram

 

Moolavar: Sri Arambeswarar

Amman: Sri Kanakakuchambal

A padal petra sthalam and is the 13th sthalam in the thondai mandalam, and one of the 276 padal petra sthalams.  

Saivaite saint Thirugnana Sambandar has sung 10 songs in glory of Arameswarar. After visiting the Koovam temple Sambandar was just going off, when lord shiva appeared in a form of a child, an old man and later in a form of a cow and led him to this temple. Also he insisted him to sing hymns at this temple.

The swamy is a Swayambhu murthy and is seated on a fairly large size Avudayar. It is said that while he started on the chariot to vanquish Thripuram, the chariot slightly tilted and the Kondrai flower from his head fell on the ground and formed a Swayambhu sivalingam. He is known as “Theenda Thirumeni" meaning that shivalinga banam should not be touched by anyone, even during pooja or abhishekam. There are 5 such Theenda Thirumeni and the places they are is given below-

1. Thirupachur

2. Koovam

3. Thakkolam

4. Ilambayankotur

5. Kalahasthi

It is said that Aramba from the devalokam along with Urvashi and Thilothama worshipped this swamy for 48 days to get back their beauty which was lost due to a curse. As Aramba worshipped him he is called Arambeswarar and the place was called Arambapuri, Arambayamkotur. As thondai mandalam has many places named Kottur, they added a prefix called Ilumbai meaning water body surrounded with lush greenery. And hence the name Ilumbayamkotur.

As the lord assisted the devas in destroying Tripuram, he is also knows as Deivanagaeswarar. Also, lord Chandiran (moon) has prayed here to get relived from the curse of Dhakshan and lord Siva not only blessed him but adored moon on his head in this place only. Hence he is also called Chandrasekaran.

This place is also known as Guru parihara sthalam and those affected by the guru cone here to do special pariharam. The Dhakshinamurthy or Guru bhagawan is very unique and can be seen holiding the chin mudhirai towards his chest. 

Very serene and beautiful temple and a must visit.

Location: Sri Arambeswarar Temple, Ilambayankottur, Kanchipuram