Erumbeeswarar Temple, Trichy

Erumbeeswarar Temple is situated at Malaikovil, Thiruverumbur, Trichy on 60 feet tall hill. We can reach on to the top of the hill via steps. The meaning that the name of the temple gives is that “Erumbu” means Ant and “Easwarar” means Lord Shiva.

It is believed that Lord Shiva took the form of an Ant hill to help the ants reach the top of the hill easily in order to worship.

The temple was built by Aditya Chola to commemorate his victory of Tirupurambiyam Battle in the 10th century.

Mythology says that there once lived an asura by the name Tharukasuran who conquered both the heavens and the earth. So, devas and Indira approached Lord Brahma who directed them to Thiruverumbur, where they were supposed to worship Lord Shiva. So, devas transformed themselves into ants and started climbing the hill. Since the hill was slippery, the ants couldn’t succeed in their mission. Therefore, Lord Shiva became an Ant hill and tilted his head for his devotees to complete their prayers. So, Lord Shiva got the name “Erumbeeswarar”.

There are 6 daily temple rituals that are conducted between 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM and three yearly festivals are celebrated. Every month, on full moon day, thousands of devotees circumambulate the temple which is called as girivalam. They believe, by doing this, they are able to please the Lord an extra mile and make him happy too.

Want to see Lord Shiva in the form of an Ant hill, then you must make a visit to this temple.