Sunday, December 4, 2016

Veeratteswarar Temple, Korukkai – Legends

Veeratteswarar Temple, Korukkai – Legends

Kama Dahana Murthy:

As per legend, Taraka, a powerful asura, performed intense penance on Lord Brahma and obtained a clever boon that he could be defeated only by the son of Lord Shiva, but Lord Shiva turned to ascetic ways after the death of his first wife, Sati, far from any thoughts of marriage. After obtaining the boon, Taraka showed his true colors and started terrorizing the universe. He repeatedly defeated the gods until heaven was on the verge of collapse.

The devas and sages approached Lord Brahma for a solution. Lord Brahma informed them about the boon that Taraka could be killed only by the son of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was under deep meditation in Korukkai. Nobody dare to disturb his penance. So, the Devas instructed Manmadha, the god of love, to make Lord Shiva to fall in love again. He came here along with his wife Rati and shot his love-arrows at Shiva.

Disturbed by the actions of Manmatha, Lord Shiva opened his third eye and burnt him with the fire sparks from his third eye in his forehead. Rati fell at the feet of Lord Shiva and begged for her husband’s life. For the sake of Rati, Lord Shiva is said to have brought him back to life in flesh and blood form and in a formless state for others. Lord Shiva is referred to as Kama Dahana Murthy / Kama Anga Naasan. The marks made by the love arrows can be still seen on the Lingam.

However, Lord Shiva wounded by the love arrows of Manmatha, Lord Shiva got attracted towards Parvati, the reincarnation of Sati. Lord Kartikeya was born out of this reunion. Subsequently Lord Kartikeya vanquished Taraka. Lord Vishnu was grief stricken when Manmathan was killed by Lord Shiva as Manmathan is said to have been created by Lord Vishnu. Hence, Lord Vishnu in this temple came to be called as Soha Hareswarar (Soha means sorrow).

Kurungai Munivar:

As per legend, a sage called Theerthavahu used to visit Shiva temples, perform ablutions to the Shiva Linga with Ganga waters through his divine powers and offer his worship to Lord Shiva. When he reached this temple, unaware of the divinity of the Soola Theertham, he stretched out his hands as usual towards the heavens to receive the Ganga waters.

But his arms got shrunk and could not offer the Ganga water to Lord Shiva. He prayed to Lord Vinayaga and Lord Shiva who then restored his arms back to the original form. Thus, the sage Theerthavahu came to be called as Kurungai Munivar (Kurungai means short hand) and the place came to be called as Kurungai. Later, Kurungai got corrupted to Kurukkai / Korukkai. Sculpture of Kurungai Munivar can be seen in Kurungai Vinayagar shrine.

Yogeeswarar:

As per legend, Lord Shiva decided to meditate under the Kadukkai tree here after destroying the Yagna of Daksha. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Yogeeswarar. It is said that the tears of joy from the eyes of Lord Shiva while he was in meditation merged with the Pazhavaru (Gnana Theertham) flowing on the northern side of the village.

Other Names:

Korukkai was also called as Kaduvanam, Thirukkurukkai, Yogeesapuram, Kaamathakanapuram and Kampakaapuram.

People worshipped Lord Shiva here:

It is believed that Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi, Murugan, Kurungai Munivar, Devas, Manmathan and Rati had worshipped Lord Shiva here.