Thirukumaresar Temple

Thirukumaresar Temple, also called Thiruneelakandeswarar, is a Shiva temple in the Cuddalore district village of Rajendirapattinam, or Erukathampuliyur, about 13 km from Vridhachalam on the Jayankondam road. Shiva is worshipped as Thirukumaresar and the goddess as Verumulai Amman. The temple is mentioned in the Tevaram and counted among the Nava Puliyur temples. It is said to be the birthplace of the saint Tirunilakanta Yazhpana Nayanar, who has a shrine here.

Legend says Muruga, cursed by Shiva to be born mute as Rudrasarma, regained his speech when he worshipped here. Another story says hunters chasing gods disguised as birds were turned into erukam trees, whose wood is of no use, giving the place its old name. The other name is linked to Rajaraja I, who is said to have prayed here before the birth of his son Rajendra I. The compact complex, about half an acre, lies within concentric granite walls, with the Nilorpala Theertham tank opposite. The present structure dates from the 16th-century Nayak period.