Annamalaiyar Temple - Yama Lingam
Yama lingam or Ema lingam in Thiruvannamalai is the
third of the eight Lingams (Ashta Lingams) which one encounters during Girivalam
here. It is located next to Agni lingam and 3 kilometer away from the
Rajagopuram, and it occupies the South direction, it also has a holy tank
called "Simma Theertha", it is believed that, worship of this solves
economical problems.
The Yama Lingam has south as its direction. It is
associated with Yama the God of death. It is situated beside the cremation
grounds on Chengam road.
The dominant Navagraha of this Lingam is, Mangala
(Mars). Yama is portrayed sitting on his mount, a powerful black buffalo
named Mahishan and with two monstrous dogs by his side. He is supposed to
carry a huge lasso with which he drags each being at the time of death to face
heaven or hell according to the being’s karma.
Devotees get rid of their financial constraints on
worshipping the Yama lingam. This Lingam is also conducive for longevity of
life span.
Creation
This Lingam is believed to be formed by Yama himself. He
is believed to have installed this Lingam and have worshipped Lord Shiva here.
Yama as per Hindu Mythology is the death god who rides Mahishan, a dark buffalo
accompanied by two very fierce dogs. He carries a lasso using which he plucks
souls from this world when their time is done.
Navagraha
Yama Lingam’s dominant Navagraha is Mars which is also
known as Mangala or Sevvai. The moon sign of this lingam is Virusika or
Scorpio.
Speciality
Worshippers believe that worshipping this lingam
provides them with a long life and rids their financial problems.
Location
This Lingam is situated at the south of the holy
Annamalai mountain. The nearest landmark to this place is a burial ground on Chengam
road. A holy pond named Simma Theertham is located nearby. This lingam is
located nearly three kilometers from the Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple.
Geographic Position
Yama Lingam in Thiruvannamalai is located at
12°13'35.2"N 79°02'39.8"E or 12.226453, 79.044382.