Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple – Erode
Erode Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple
Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple is located in Erode, a town known for its rich heritage and religious sites. The temple is one of the most popular temples in Erode dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped as Lord Kabaleeswarar and his consort Parvathi worshipped as Karpagambai. It is considered to be the first-ever temple in the state of Tamil Nadu.
The temple is around 1000 years old and is believed to have been constructed during the Kongu Chola dynasty (1004 – 1280). The temple is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam and has reference in 7th-century canonical work, the Tevaram written by the Nayanars. The temple is administered and maintained by Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.
Erode Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple Structure
The Temple has been built in ancient Dravidian architectural style. The five-tyre Rajagopuram (temple tower) is spectatular and the entrance to the Maha Mandapam is marked by Dwajasthambam (sacred flagpole), Nandhi (the divine vehicle of Lord Shiva) and Bali Peedham.
The inner and outer Prakarams (precincts of the sanctorum) have shrines of Sun God and his consorts Usha Devi and Chaya Devi, Gajasamharamoorthy, Moola Vinayagar, Temple tree with Lord Ganesha and Goddess, Navagraha, Kala Bhairava, 63 Nayanmars, Goddess Durgai, Saptha Matthakal (7 Divine Mothers) and Naalvar.
Near to the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum are the shrines of Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lord Brahma and Goddess Vishnu Durga. The temple complex also has Goddess Varanambigai as a separate shrine.
The shrine of Lord Arudra Kabaleeswarar is found inside the sanctum sanctorum in the form of Lingam to bless devotees. The speciality of the Lingam is that as many as one hundred and eight Shivalingas is carved on the main deity in Lingam form. On the 25th, 26th and 27th days of the Tamil month of Masi (February-March), the sun rays directly fall on the presiding deity.
History of Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple
According to legend, Arulmigu Arudra Kabaleeswarar temple was constructed by the Chola king Lakshmikanthan. The King had once decided to perform a Yagna (sacrifice) for which several pots of milk were brought. It so happened that the milk got spilled at a particular spot. The King ordered his men to dig the spot, and in the process a Lingam was discovered from which blood started oozing out. The King built a temple at the spot where the Lingam was so found.
Another story in relation to the temple states that Lord Kabaleeswarar once went to his devotee Thandavan’s house who was a poor weaver in his absence. The Lord dressed as an old man begged the weaver’s wife for a piece of cloth to protect from the biting cold outside. The wife asked the old man for his address and assured him some help. She was told that he would be outside the Arudra temple. The wife, on return of Thandavan, related of what had happened. Thandavan immediately got a piece of cloth on credit and gave it to the old man. Next morning, the temple priest was surprised to see a new piece of cloth on the Lord. When the news spread, Thandavan recounted what had happened but nobody believed him.
When the weaver was punished by the villagers, Lord Shiva sent a word through a small boy that no matter what troubles one undergoes, one should be ready to serve the helpless.
Temple Timings in Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple
The temple is open on all days from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Pooja Timings in Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple
- Ushakala Pooja – 6:00 AM
- Kaalasandhi Pooja – 7:00 AM
- Uchikala Pooja – 12:00 Noon
- Saayaraksha Pooja – 6:00 PM
- Ardhajama Pooja – 8:00 PM
Temple Festivals of Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple
- Brahmotsavam- Annual Festival during the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April)
- Mahashivarathri (February-March)
- Margazhi Thiruvadhirai (December-January)
How to reach Arudra Kabaleeswarar Temple
Erode is the nearest bus stand to the temple. Erode is well connected with all major towns in the state. Erode Railway Station is just 3 kilometres from the temple. The nearest airport is at Coimbatore (around 91 kilometres away).