Erumbeshwarar Temple History – Thiruverumbur Malai Kovil Trichy

 

Erumbeshwarar Temple History – Thiruverumbur

The Erumbeshwarar Temple, also known as Malai Kovil, is an ancient and sacred Lord Shiva temple situated in Thiruverumbur, on the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu. Located just 15 kilometers from the world-famous Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, this temple is one of the revered Padal Petra Sthalams mentioned in the Tevaram hymns.

Erumbeshwarar Temple entrance board at Thiruverumbur, Trichy


Historical Significance

The temple stands majestically on a 60-foot hill along the banks of the holy River Kaveri. Built by Aditya Chola in the 10th century to commemorate his victory in the Thirupurambiyam battle, it carries inscriptions dating back to the Chola period. With its two gopurams, multiple sanctums, and a temple tank at the foothill, it is a fine example of Chola architecture and devotion.

Rock walls and steps leading to Erumbeshwarar malai kovil in Trichy


The Legend of Erumbeshwarar

Gopuram of Erumbeshwarar Temple at Thiruverumbur during renovation


The name Erumbeshwarar is derived from the Tamil word Erumbu, meaning ant. According to legend, when the demon Tharukasuran oppressed the three worlds, the Devas led by Indra sought Lord Brahma’s help. He advised them to worship Lord Shiva at Thiruverumbur.

To avoid detection by the demon, the gods took the form of ants and attempted to worship the Shiva Linga. However, they struggled to climb it. Moved by their devotion, Lord Shiva manifested himself as an anthill (Putru Lingam), inclining slightly so that even the ants could worship Him. To this day, the main deity is worshipped in the form of an anthill, with only oil anointment (abhishekam) performed to preserve its form.

This divine episode is narrated in the Thiruverumbiyar Puranam and celebrated in the hymns of Appar Nayanar in the 7th century, recorded in the 5th Tirumurai of Tevaram.

Watch the Story of Erumbeshwarar Temple on YouTube

To explore the legend, history, and divine beauty of Erumbeshwarar Temple (Malai Kovil) in Thiruverumbur, watch our detailed video from the Orugallu Andhalu channel. In this video, we bring the temple’s history and spiritual significance to life.

Watch on YouTube: Erumbeshwarar Temple History – Orugallu Andhalu

For more temple histories and cultural stories, please like, share, and subscribe to our channel.

Architecture and Sanctums

The main sanctum (garbhagriha) faces east and houses Lord Erumbeshwarar. On the way, one finds shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Murugan, Nandi, and Navagrahas. The temple walls, like many ancient Tamil Nadu temples, feature exquisite carvings including Dakshinamurthy, the form of Lord Shiva as the divine teacher.

Adjacent to the main shrine, a separate temple is dedicated to Goddess Narunguzhal Nayagi, facing south. The entire hill temple is enclosed by strong rock fort walls, giving it a fortress-like appearance.

The girivalam (pradakshina patha) around the hill is about 900 meters long and 20 feet wide. On every Pournami (full moon day), countless devotees perform girivalam here, making the temple spiritually vibrant.

Dakshinamurthy idol inside Erumbeshwarar temple, Trichy


Unique Features

  • Known as Malai Kovil (Temple on a Hill) due to its elevated location.
  • The only temple in Tamil Nadu that was not destroyed during Malik Kafur’s invasion in the 14th century.
  • During the Anglo-French wars in 1752, the temple even served as an infantry base for the French.

Rituals and Festivals

Daily, the temple follows the six-kaala pooja system, with each worship including abhishekam, alankaram, naivedyam, and deeparadhana. Since the lingam is formed of mud in the shape of an anthill, only oil abhishekam is performed.

The most important festival is the Brahmotsavam, celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June) with grandeur and devotion.

Temple Tank of Erumbeshwarar Malai Kovil, Thiruverumbur


Present Day

Today, the temple is maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board of Tamil Nadu. Its combination of history, legend, and architectural beauty makes it one of the most unique Shiva temples in the region.

 

You may also like our article on the Kohinoor Diamond: Curse or Blessing.

Location: Thiruverumbur, Tamil Nadu, India

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