Sri Ezhutharinathar Temple, ThiruInnambar, Kumbakonam - 275 Shiva Temples

45. Sri Ezhutharinathar Temple, ThiruInnambar, Kumbakonam (Chola Nadu - North of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Ezhutharinathar, Sri Taanthonreesar
Name of Goddess : Sri Sugunthakunthalambigai, Sri Nithyakalyani
Holy water (Theertham) : Iravadha Theertham.
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Shenbagam.
Thevaram : Thirunavukarasar, Sambandar
District : Thanjavur.
Location : Kumbakonam.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 05:00 p.m. to 08:00 p.m.

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This is the 45th sthalam on the northern side of river Cauvery. Thiruganasambandar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Legend has it that Shiva is revealed the grammar of Tamil to Agasthyar here and is also said to have submitted temple accounts to a king. Airavatam the mythological elephant is said to have worshiped Shiva here.

A five tiered Rajagopuram adorns the entrance to this temple with 2 prakarams, while a Gajaprishta Vimaanam with 5 kalasams crowns the sanctum. This temple covers an area of about 2 acres. Stucco images on the vimanam illustrate the Stala Puranam. The Shivalingam and the entrance to the sanctum are huge and the Natarajar image is of great workmanship. Nityakalyani Amman is situated to the right of Shiva, while there is a separate shrine for Sugandha Kundalambal in the outer prakaram. Nityakalyani Amman's shrine located close to Shiva's shrine is said to represent the Kalyanakkolam of Shiva. Inscriptions from the Chola and Vijayanagar periods are found in this temple.

10 day Purattasi Navarathri festival in September-October; Chithirai Kodabishekam in April-May; Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November; Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January; Shivrathri in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

History / Legend:

The king ruling this place asked his accountant to submit the temple accounts to him. The books were not up to date. He was reluctant to go before the king. Next day, the king called the accountant and paid rich tributes saying that of the temple accounts maintained so far, his was perfect and correct. The accountant came to know that it was Lord’s grace that He went and submitted the books. As Lord wrote His own temple accounts, He is praised as Ezhuthari Nathar.

During Navarathri festival, devotees submit their education prayers for their children and for those suffering from stammering. They also pray before admitting their children to schools.

Mother Nithya Kalyani blesses the devotees ever in Her wedding posture. Women expecting to be married pray to Mother seeking a good match. Mother Sugantha Kundalambal graces the devotees in penance posture. Women wishing to lead a single life pray to Her.

Sun worshiped Lord Shiva in this holy land. Innan means Sun, hence the name Innambur. It was Innan Nambur earlier. Now it has changed as Innambur. The rays of Sun fall on the Lord on 13, 14 and of Tamil Panguni month corresponding to March-April.

People bring their children studying in primary standards to the temple and write on their tongue with flowers. For children of kindergarten classes, they write on their tongue with paddy.

Location: Located 8 Kms from Kumbakonam enroute to Tiruppurambiyam via Puliancheri. Town Bus facilities are available from Kumbakonam.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Arulmighu Ezhuthtarinathar Temple
Innambar Post
Kumbakonam Taluk
Thanjavur District
PIN 612303
Phone: 0435 - 200 0157 ; 96558 64958 ; 0435 245 9519.