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Deivanayaka Eswarar Temple

This place is now called Elemian Kottoor or Elimiyankottur and is the 13th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. During my earlier visit, a Veda Patasala was functioning at the temple entrance. Thirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple, stating that the words in his hymns do not belong to him but to Lord Shiva himself.

Timings

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. Visitors are advised to get in touch with the priest in advance to ensure darshan.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History:


  1. The temple at Elemian Kottoor (Elimiyankottur) was originally constructed during the Pallava period.
  2. It was reconstructed by the Cholas, with significant contributions during Kulothunga II's reign, when the place was called Chozhavichchadira Chathurvedi Mangalam in Kanruru Nadu.
  3. An inscription from Rajadhiraja II's reign (1175 CE) records the reconstruction of the original brick temple into stone by Pandari Sivacharanaalayan alias Sivapadasekara Muvendavelan.
  4. During the Vijayanagara period, an inscription records the gift of the village Kaliyanallur in Tiruvelur Nadu to the temple.
  5. An inscription from the Pandya King Konerimaikondan Jadavarman Sundarapandyan’s reign records the gift of the village Ilambayankottur in Kanruru Nadu to the temple.
  6. An inscription from Thribhuvana Veeradevan's period mentions the place as Chathurvedimangalam Ilambayankottur in Kanruru Nadu.


Puranic Significance :-


Do's and Don'ts

  1. Respect the Sanctity: Maintain silence and a respectful demeanor while in the temple.
  2. Dress Modestly: Wear appropriate, modest clothing when visiting the temple, covering shoulders and legs.
  3. Offer Prayers and Rituals: Participate in the temple’s daily prayers, rituals, and offerings with devotion.
  4. Keep the Temple Clean: Dispose of waste properly and keep the temple surroundings clean.
  5. Follow Guidelines: Adhere to any rules or guidelines provided by the temple authorities regarding photography, offerings, or behavior.


  1. Avoid Loud Behavior: Refrain from speaking loudly or causing any disturbance inside or around the temple.
  2. Don’t Touch Sacred Objects: Avoid touching deities, idols, or sacred offerings unless permitted by temple staff.
  3. No Photography in Restricted Areas: Follow any restrictions on photography, especially inside the sanctum or during rituals.
  4. Don’t Bring Food or Drink: Avoid bringing food or beverages into the temple premises unless allowed for offerings.
  5. Avoid Disrespecting Religious Practices: Do not mock or criticize the temple’s customs or rituals.


Dress Code

For Women:

  1. Wear modest clothing like sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts that cover shoulders and knees.
  2. Avoid revealing clothes, like sleeveless tops and shorts.
  3. In some temples, cover the head with a scarf or dupatta.
  4. Remove footwear before entering.

For Men:

  1. Wear traditional attire like dhotis, lungis, or pants with a shirt or long kurta.
  2. Avoid tight or revealing clothes, and cover shoulders and knees.
  3. Remove footwear before entering.


How to reach

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  1. By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA), about 75 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or private vehicle to Kanchipuram, which takes around 2 hours.
  2. By Train: Kanchipuram has its own Kanchipuram Railway Station (KMU), which is well-connected to major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and others. You can take a local train or a taxi from the station to reach the temple.
  3. By Road: Kanchipuram is easily accessible by road from Chennai, located approximately 75 km away. You can travel via NH 116 or take a bus from Chennai’s Koyambedu bus terminal to Kanchipuram. Alternatively, hire a taxi or use private transport for a more direct route.


Nearby Cities and Rivers

The temple is located near the Palar River, which flows in the vicinity, adding to the spiritual significance of the location. The closest city to the temple is Kanchipuram, which is a renowned historical and religious center in Tamil Nadu. Other nearby towns include Vellore and Arakonam, both of which are situated within a reasonable distance from the temple.