Erumbeeswarar Temple
எறும்பீஸ்வரர் கோயில்
A 10th-century Chola-era Shiva temple on a small rocky hill in Thiruverumbur, preserving fine stone carvings and inscriptions.
Erumbeeswarar Temple stands on a small rocky hill in Thiruverumbur, about 10 km east of the city. Founded in the early Chola dynasty (around the 10th century), it takes its name from a legend that the gods, in the form of ants (erumbu), worshipped Shiva here. Visitors climb about 125 steps to reach it. Inside are Chola stone sculptures, niche deities and numerous ancient Tamil inscriptions, and from the summit you can see rice fields and the city. It is quiet and rustic, with free entry, and it closes at midday.
Opening hours
About 06:00–12:00, 16:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Chokkanatha Nayak Palace (Rani Mangammal Mahal)
- Chinnakadai Street Bazaar
- Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Temple
- Our Lady of Lourdes Church
- Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval
- Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
- Samayapuram Mariamman Temple
- Vayalur Murugan Temple