The Erumbeeswarar Temple at Thiruverumbur, located near Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu is one of the revered Shiva temples celebrated in the Tevaram hymns. This is the miraculous sacred site where Devas in the form of ants are believed to have worshipped Mahadev Shiva. Shiva is worshipped here as Erumbeeswarar (erumbu meaning ants). His utsava murti is known as Somaskandar.
At the heart of the temple resides Mahadeva Shiva as a Swayambhumurthy
(self-manifested deity). The Shivling features a distinct central cleft,
resembling a twin structure that beautifully symbolizes the unified
Shiva-Shakti form. In a remarkable phenomenon, ants are often seen marching in
a steady line within the sanctum sanctorum during rituals. Devotees reverently
believe that the Lord Himself takes the form of these ants to accept their
sacred offerings.
1. Temple History (Sthala Puranam)
The Torment of the Demon
Gajamukhasura, the brother of Tarakasura, was causing
immense suffering to the gods (Devas). Fearing him, Indra and the other
Devas wished to worship Lord Shiva secretly, without being detected.
The Devas Take the Form of Ants
To conceal their identities, the Devas transformed
themselves into ants and came to this sacred place to worship Shiva.
The Compassion of Lord Shiva
The ants tried to climb the Shiva Lingam to perform worship and ablutions. However, the Lingam was very smooth, causing them to slip and fall repeatedly. Seeing their struggle, Lord Shiva was moved by compassion. To make it easier for the ants to climb and worship Him, He altered His form to resemble an anthill and created grooves or ridges on the Lingam so the ants could crawl upward without difficulty.
2. Unique Features of the Temple
The Leaning Lingam
To facilitate the ants' worship, the Shiva Lingam at this
temple appears slightly inclined. The grooves believed to have been used by the
ants can still be seen on the Lingam.
Anthill-Earth Lingam
Lord Erumbeeswarar manifests as a self-originated (Swayambhu)
Lingam formed from anthill soil. Because of its delicate nature, only oil is
applied to the deity; direct water abhishekam is not performed.
The Shiva Linga enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum is unlike
the conventional smooth and symmetrical Lingas found in most temples. It has a
natural anthill-like form with uneven contours and an irregular surface. As the
deity is a Sand Linga (Manal Linga), the customary ritual of abhishekam
is not performed. Instead, only the sacred application of oil is offered.
A natural gap in the formation makes the deity appear as
though there are two separate Lingas. According to temple tradition, the right
side represents Lord Shiva, while the left side symbolizes Goddess
Shakti. For this reason, the deity is revered as the Shiva-Shakti Linga,
embodying the divine union of masculine and feminine cosmic energies.
An unusual feature of the sanctum is the presence of ants (Erumbu
in Tamil), which are often seen consuming the food offerings (nivedhanam)
presented to the deity. Devotees believe this signifies that Lord Shiva Himself
accepts and acknowledges the offerings made during worship. Witnessing this
sacred phenomenon is considered highly auspicious.
The temple is also associated with Rathi, the consort
of Manmatha (Cupid). Tradition holds that she worshipped the Lord here,
praying that her exceptional beauty would never lead to pride or vanity.
Hilltop Temple
The temple is situated atop a small hill and can be reached
by climbing approximately 125 steps. It stands as an excellent example of
Chola-period architecture.
The Legend of the Hill
According to temple lore, the hill on which the temple
stands is believed to be a fragment of the sacred Mount Meru. It is said that
during a contest of strength between Vayu, the God of Wind, and the divine
serpent Adisesha, a portion of Mount Meru was split apart. This sacred fragment
is believed to have fallen here, forming the hill of this holy site.
Goddess Narunguzhal Nayagi
The presiding goddess of the temple is known as Narunguzhal
Nayagi, also called Soundara Nayagi.
The divine consort, Goddess Narunkuzhal Nayaki, whose
name means "the Mother with Fragrant Hair," blesses devotees from her
south-facing shrine.
A distinctive feature of this shrine is the daily change of
alankara (decoration), with the Goddess adorned in different forms each day. In
front of her shrine stands an ancient idol of a Mother Goddess that was
worshipped in earlier times, preserving the temple's historical and spiritual
continuity.
Temple Praised in Tevaram
This sacred shrine was glorified in the Tevaram hymns
by the saint-poets Tirunavukkarasar and Tirugnanasambandar.
Navagraha Shrine and the Sun God
In the Navagraha shrine, the Sun God is enshrined with His
two consorts, Usha and Pradyusha, who are depicted facing each other. To the
left of the main temple stands a separate shrine dedicated to Lord
Kailasanatha, blessing devotees with His divine presence.
Sacred Theerthas
The temple is renowned for its four sacred theerthas (holy
water bodies):
- Brahma
Theertham
- Madhu
Theertham
- Kumara
Theertham
- Padma
Theertham
These sacred waters hold great spiritual significance for
devotees visiting the temple.
Swarnakala Bhairava and Gajalakshmi Shrines
Within the temple's prakara corridor stands the shrine of Swarnakala
Bhairava, depicted with a fierce and powerful appearance. Directly opposite
is a separate shrine dedicated to Gajalakshmi.
Devotees believe that worshipping both deities together
removes fear, protects against obstacles, and brings prosperity, harmony, and
well-being to the family.
Shrine of Subramanya
Behind the sanctum sanctorum lies the shrine of Subramanya,
enshrined with His consorts, Valli and Deivanai. The shrine is situated between
two Kasiviswanatha shrines.
A unique feature of this shrine is the Shatkona Chakra
installed beneath the Lord's Peeta (pedestal). Devotees believe that
worshipping Shanmugha Subramanya together with the Shatkona Chakra bestows
immense spiritual benefits and blessings.
Selva Vinayaka Shrine
The temple also houses a shrine for Selva Vinayaka, who
graciously blesses devotees and removes obstacles from their lives.
The Symbolic Dwarapalakas
The sanctum of Lord Shiva is guarded by two dwarapalakas
(guardian deities), each displaying a contrasting expression. One appears stern
and angry, while the other bears a gentle smile.
According to local belief, devotees who are known for their
short temper and harsh nature gradually develop a calmer and more compassionate
disposition after worshipping the Lord at this temple.
Rare Forms of the Divine
One of the temple's most remarkable features is the presence
of Lord Sankara Narayana, a rare form that unites the attributes and
glory of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in a single deity.
Another notable shrine is that of Lord Nataraja, depicted wearing anklets, situated behind the goshta wall of the presiding Shiva shrine. These rare manifestations add to the spiritual significance and uniqueness of the temple.
3. Spiritual Benefits of Worship
Devotees believe that sincere worship of Lord Erumbeeswarar
brings the following blessings:
Success in Endeavors
Since Lord Shiva showed mercy to even tiny ants for their
persistent devotion, devotees believe that obstacles in their sincere efforts
are removed and success is achieved.
Growth in Humility and Devotion
Just as the Devas set aside their pride and worshipped in
the form of ants, prayers at this temple are believed to foster humility, inner
peace, and spiritual growth.
Relief from Chronic Illnesses
Because the deity manifests as an anthill-earth Lingam,
devotees suffering from long-standing ailments are believed to receive
blessings for healing by offering prayers and lighting ghee lamps.
Removal of Business and Career Stagnation
It is traditionally believed that those facing stagnation in
business or profession can pray to the Lord by offering sugar or rice flour
symbolically associated with ants, seeking prosperity and growth in their
endeavors.
Festivals
The important festivals observed in the temple are Vaigasi
Brahmotsavam (May – June), Aippasi Annabhishekam, Trikarthigai in November or
December, and Mahashivratri in February of March. Pradosham fortnightly is of great importance. Monday is the most important day during the week.
The temple's central message is that sincere devotion, however small or humble, never goes unnoticed by the Divine.