Erakaram/Eraharam Kandanathaswamy Temple is a Shiva temple located 8 km from Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district- Tamil Nadu. However, it is locally known as Murugan Temple. Eraharam is also known as Thiruveragam .
Sri Kandanatha Swamy Temple is also called Adi Kandanathaswamy Temple and believed that this temple is the earlier temple to the Swamimalai, Swaminatha Swamy Temple. This place was called “Eaar” during the 8th – 9th Century and is now called Eraharam.
It is believed that the temple was constructed during the 12th Century Chozha King Vikrama Chozha (1118 – 1135 CE).
The temple faces east and has an entrance arch decorated with stucco images of Shiva and Parvati as Rishabaroodar, along with Vinayakar, Sri Valli-Devasena Subramaniar, Ambal, and Murugan. The main deity (Moolavar) is a small Shiva Lingam placed on a circular base (Avudayar). On the outer walls (Kostam*), there are images of Nardhana Vinayagar (dancing Ganesha), Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai.
In the *Prahara* (outer pathway), there are shrines for Chandikeswarar, Navagrahas (nine planets), Suriyan (Sun God), Chandran (Moon God), Bhairavar, Vinayagar, and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar.
*Ambal Sri Sankara Nayaki* has her own shrine facing south. She is depicted standing, with one hand in the *Abhaya Mudra* and the other in the *Varada Mudra*.
Sri Adi Kandanatha Swamy has a separate shrine located behind the Shiva temple. He is depicted standing, with his right hand in the *Abhaya Mudra* (gesture of protection) and his left hand in the *Uru Hastam* (gesture resting on the thigh).
This temple is believed to be mentioned in Thevaram and Thirupukazh. It is said that Lord Murugan, riding his Mayil Vahana (peacock), worshiped Shiva and Ambal here to obtain the Pashupata Astra (divine weapon) and defeated the demon at Thiruchendur. On his return to Eragam, the Devas crowned him with a golden crown, which is why Murugan here blesses devotees wearing a golden crown.
According to another legend, Brahma’s arrogance led Murugan to question him about the meaning of “Om” (Pranava mantra). When Brahma failed to answer, Murugan imprisoned him, disrupting creation. Meanwhile, Brighu Maharishi performed penance to attain liberation. Disturbed by his intense penance, Devas sought Shiva’s help. Shiva awakened Brighu, who feared his curse might harm Shiva, but Shiva revealed it was all part of his divine play (Thiruvilaiyadal).
Shiva then asked Murugan to release Brahma, but Murugan refused, stating Brahma did not know the meaning of “Om.” When asked if he knew, Murugan offered to explain it if Shiva became his disciple. At this spot, Murugan taught Shiva the meaning of “Om,” earning him the title of Guru. Hence, Shiva is called *Sri Kandanatha Swamy*, and this temple, older than Swamimalai, is associated with Murugan’s wisdom.
Brighu Maharishi also worshiped Shiva and Murugan at this temple.