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.