Saturday, May 21, 2016

Sambamoortheeswarar Temple, Ethapur, Salem

Sambamoortheeswarar Temple, Ethapur, Salem
Sambamoortheeswarar temple is one of the oldest and famous Hindu god Lord Siva temples of Tamilnadu. Sun God spreads his rays on Lord Shiva in the first week of Masi and performs his puja.  Ethapur also referred as "Vasishtronum" named by Vashista one of the Sapta Rishis (seven great Rishis).

Legends
Appu Sthalam:
Of the five energy places – Panchabhoodha Sthalas on Vashista Nadhi, this temple belongs to Appu – Water.  Sage Vasishta had visited this place, bathed in the river and worshipped Lord here. 
Indira curse on Sage Gautama:
Indira conducted a yajna here dedicated to Lord for retaining his position among the Devas as their king. During the yajna, sage Gautama offered a flower to Indirani which attracted her very much and did not concentrate on the yagna. This made the yajna a failure.  Enraged Indira cursed Gautama that he would be separated from his wife.  The sage, after the separation from his wife, installed a Shivalinga and worshipped Lord Shiva. In the month of Masi (February-March) while Sun was worshipping Lord, the sage was granted darshan and relief from Indira’s curse. The sage was re-united with his wife.
Ambica penance on Lord Shiva:
Daksha organized a Yaga for selfish gains and did not invite Lord Shiva. Ambica, though not permitted by Lord, attended her father’s yaga. Angry Shiva, seeking peace of mind, came to this place. To cool down Lord Shiva, Ambica too came here with her brother Lord Vishnu, performed penance. Lord Shiva granted darshan to his consort under the Vilwa tree and pardoned her. The tree is in the prakara. Couples separated from each other circumambulate the tree for re-union.
The Temple
Lord is a Swayambu Linga. During the first week of Masi month – February-March, Sun God worships Lord spreading his rays on Lord. Lord Muruga appears differently in this temple with three faces in the front and three at the back. Chaturveda Lingas, Pancha Lingas and Mother Jeshtadevi are in separate shrines in the prakara. Lord Pradhana Vinayaka adores the temple. Three tier Rajagopuram is facing east. 


Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 9.30 a.m. and 12.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. and 8.00 p.m.
Athirudhra Yagnyam
Sarvotthamuka Athirudhra Yagnyam was conducted in Yethapur in the year 1938 with the patronage of Sri Alagiri Iyer family. This place is still known today as Yaga Salai in Yethapur Agraharam.

Festivals
Thai Brahmotsavam in January-February and Poornima pujas each month are celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
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.
Contact
Sri Shamba Murtheeswarar Temple,
Ethapur, Salem district
Phone: +91 – 4282 – 270 210
Connectivity
Ethapur is located on the Salem – Chennai Road, at a distance of 37 km, near Athur, road branches of at Puthiragounden Palayam. The temple is 1 km far from this place. Bus facilities are available from Salem and Athur. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ethapur & Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.