28. ETHAPUR

SAMBAMURTHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 37kms from Salem

Shiva: Sambamurtheeswarar

Amman: Manonmani

Theertham: Vasishta Nadhi

Sthala Viruksham: Vilvam

Speciality:

The name Ethapur was earlier known as Vasishtaranyam. 

The name of the Urchavar is Uma Maheswarar.

Sage Vasishtar has worshipped the lord here.

This temple is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalas on Vasishta Nadhi. Since King Vasishta bathed in the river the river was known as Vasishta Nadhi. 

Sambamurtheeswarar is a Suyambhu linga. Chadurvedha Lingas and Pancha Lingas are also found here. Students pray to the Chadurvedha Lingas for achievement in their fields and people pray to the Pancha Lingas to get relieved from family problems.

This is the Appu (land) Sthalam of the Pancha Vaishta Sthalams on the river bank of the Vasishta River.

The Sun's rays fall on Shiva on the first week on the Month of Masi.

The Brahmotsavam Festival is celebrated in the month of Thai.

The Aarumugar is special.

There is a Jyeshta Devi Sannidhi in this temple.

This temple was built by Cholas.

Three tier rajagopuram facing east.

Couples who are separated visit this temple and they get reunited very soon.

History:

Indiran conducted a Yaaga in this place to retain his position as the King of the Devas. Sage Gauthama who had come for the Yagna offered a flower to Indiran's wife Indirani. Indirani was taken away by the flower and she failed to concentrate on the Yagna. The Yagna therefore became a failure. Indira got angry and he cursed Gautama that he would be separated from his wife. His curse became true. Sage Gauthama installed a Shiva linga and worshipped him. The Sun God performs pooja to Shiva on the first week of tamil month Maasi every year at that time Shiva appeared before the Sage and relieved him from his curse. Sage Gauthama and his wife lived to gather. 

Dhakshan (Parvathi's father) conducted a Yagna but did not invite lord Shiva. Parvathi attended the Yagna without the permission of Shiva. Shiva was angry and he came to this place to reduce his anger and to bring peace into him. Parvathi came here with her brother lord Vishnu and performed Thavam, as she realised her mistake.  After a long period Shiva appeared before her under the Vilvam tree and pardoned her. The Vilvam tree is seen in the Prahara.