Elambayamkottur is one of sacred sites where Lord Shiva executed the Tripura Samhara, a significant event involving three formidable demons - Vidyunmali, Tharukaksha, and Kamlaksha, who resided in three impregnable moving cities or forts collectively known as Tripura, constructed from gold, silver, and iron, respectively. These malevolent demons wreaked havoc across the universe, causing distress to the celestial beings known as Devas. Overwhelmed by the torment inflicted upon them, the Devas sought the intervention of Lord Shiva to rid them of this menace. In response to their plea, a celestial chariot was crafted, with the four Vedas as four horses, Lord Brahma assuming the role of the charioteer, the sun and moon serving as the right and left wheels, respectively, and various other worldly creatures adorning the chariot and forming the army. When Lord Shiva prepared to depart by mounting the chariot, an unexpected incident occurred. Vinayaka broke the axle of the chariot because the devas, who were accompanying Lord Shiva, had failed to worship Vinayaka before their departure. This act of overlooking Vinayaka, the remover of obstacles, caused the chariot to tilt and destabilize. In this moment of crisis, Mahavishnu, swiftly intervened and held the chariot to prevent it from falling down, but Shiva's precious necklace fell from the imbalanced chariot. At the exact spot where the necklace landed, a divine manifestation occurred, giving rise to a Shiva Linga. This sacred temple stands as a testament to this extraordinary event. The presiding deity of this temple came to be known as Devanadeswarar, which translates to "the Lord who led the army of Devas." This title was bestowed upon Him because He played a pivotal role in the Tripura Samharam, the destruction of the three fortresses of the demons. Additionally, Ramba, the queen of the celestial nymphs known as Apsaras, also worshipped the Lord of this place. She offered her prayers with utmost devotion, seeking eternal youth and beauty. As a result of her sincere worship, the deity acquired the name Arambeswarar, signifying the Lord who was worshipped by Ramba and the place itself came to be known as Rambaikottur. However, as the years passed, the name of the place gradually transformed to Elambyankottur, and eventually, it became known as Elumiyankottur. Despite the changes in nomenclature, the significance of this sacred site remains intact, serving as a reminder of the divine events that unfolded during the Tripura Samhara and the unwavering devotion of both the devas and Ramba.
See also - Other Paadal Petra Shivasthalam associated with Tripura Samhara - 1) Tiruvathigai, 2) Tiruvirkolam, 3) Achirupakkam
Beckoning of GyanaSambandhar - Thiru GyanaSambandar, was on his spiritual journey visiting the temples at Thondai Naadu. When the convoy of GyanaSambandhar and his devotees were around this area, Shiva appeared before them in the form of a small child and as an elderly man to indicate the presence of this temple. However, the devotees failed to recognize the signs. In order to capture their attention, Shiva transformed into a cow and intentionally collided with the palanquin carrying GyanaSambandhar. Surprised by this incident, GyanaSambandhar followed the cow, which eventually vanished upon reaching the temple. Realizing the divine nature of the cow, GyanaSambandhar composed a pathikam, or hymn, in praise of the deity presiding over the temple.
Temple Layout - The east-facing entrance of this shiva temples lacks the traditional gopuram, while balipeetam and nandi welcome the visitors.The dwajasthambam, a common feature in most temples is not present. To the left, in the prakaram, is the west-facing sannidhi of Rambeshwarar, the deity worshipped by the Apsara Rambha. The sanctum of the presiding deity Deivanatheshwarar is east-facing. Within the prakaram there are various sannidis; Kurunda Vinayaka, Subramnya along with His consorts Valli and Deivanai and for Bhairavar. 'Goshta Images' include Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy and instead of Linglthbhava on the wall behind the deity, there is Mahavishnu followed by Brahma and Goddess Durga. Dakshinamurthy is depicted as Yoga Dakshinamurthy with one hand in 'Chin-Mudra', his right leg folded on the plinth, left hand pressed into the asana, eyes closed appearing serene. The sculpture shows Dakshinamurthy sitting quietly with the Sanakathi sages under the Kallala tree, and Muyalakan under his feet. The sannidhi of the female deity Kanaka Kuchambikai is south facing.
The 'Swayambhu Linga' of the presiding deity is accompanied by a sizable Avudayar featuring a base resembling a lotus. Opposite the temple are two sacred water bodies Mallikai Theertham and Chandra Theertham. Chandra the moon god, was once cursed by Daksha and sought solace by bathing in the Mallikai Tirtham at this very location. It is believed that Chandra also performed worship rituals here to rid himself of the curse placed upon him.
Between April 2 to April 7 and September 5 to 11, the sun-rays fall on the presiding deity. Worshipping Devanatheshwar eliminates 'doshas' or negative influences of the planets, specifically Guru Dosha, a negative influence caused by the planet Jupiter is minimised by worshiping Yoga Dakshinamurthy. This temple is known for its grand celebrations of various important events such as the yearly transit of planet Jupiter, Maha Shivratri, Arudra Darshan, Thirukarthikai, and Aadiperku. These celebrations are conducted with great enthusiasm and devotion.