Saturday, April 14, 2018

Bala Subramanya Swamy Temple, Pakasalai – Legends

Bala Subramanya Swamy Temple, Pakasalai – Legends
Brahma Sastha:
As per Hindu legend, Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, disrespected Lord Muruga, the son of Lord Shiva, at the time of visiting Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva. The child Muruga got angry with Brahma and asked him how he was creating living beings. Brahma said that he was creating living beings with the help of the Vedas (Hindu scriptures). On hearing the reply, Muruga asked Brahma to recite the texts from Vedas. Brahma started to recite the text with the holy word called Pranav Mantra, "Om".
At that time Muruga stopped Brahma and asked him to explain the meaning of the Pranava Mantra. Brahma did not expect such a question from the child and could not reply. Lord Murugan knocked Brahma on his forehead with his clenched fists and punished him with imprisonment. Muruga took up the role of the creator. The Devas (celestial deities) were surprised by the absence of Brahma and they requested Vishnu to negotiate with Murugan to release Brahma. Vishnu could not help and as the last resort, Shiva went to the rescue of Brahma.
Shiva came to Muruga and asked him to release Brahma from imprisonment. Muruga refused to release him stating Brahma was unaware of the meaning of the Om - (Pranav Mantra). Shiva asked Muruga to explain the meaning and Muruga extolled to Shiva the meaning of Om. Lord Shiva behaved like a student to a teacher, listening with rapt attention from his son. Since, he took the role of Brahma for a short time, he came to be called as Brahma Sastha. This form of Lord Murugan is represented by holding Akshara Mala and Kamadalam in his hands. Akshara Mala and Kamadalam are generally attributed to Lord Brahma.
Equivalent to Kasi:
As Kusasthalai River flows here from south and north, it is considered as Uttara Vahini similar to Ganges in Kasi. Hence the place is equivalent to Kasi.
Pathiri Ayya:
Lord Murugan of this Temple is also called as Padhiri Ayya. There is an interesting story behind the name Padhiri Ayya. A British Collector, during the British rule, was travelling along the Kusasthalai river. He was tired and decided to take rest under the tree near to this Temple. He found a small Temple for Lord Murugan and found the idol similar to a priest holding a rosary. He decided to have a closer look, but the officials accompanied him rejected his idea as non-Hindus will be denied entry into the sanctum.
It was believed that Lord Murugan in the disguise of priest came and took the British collector in night time to the Temple. After having the darshan of idol, British collector searched for the priest but nowhere to find. The collector was overjoyed by the incident. From this time, Lord came to be called as Padhiri Ayya. Even today, during Aadi Kiruthigai, Local Christians break coconuts to Lord Murugan in remembrance of this incident. This Temple is a perfect example of religious harmony.
People worshipped Lord Muruga here:
Saint Raghavendra, Saint Arunagirinathar, Adi Shankarar, Sage Agasthya, Lord Brahma, Chitragupta, Narada and Navagrahas worshipped Lord Murugan of this Temple.
References in Puranam:
The Temple had been mentioned in Matsya Puranam, Koorma Puranam, Bhavishya Puranam, Linga Puranam and Markandeya Puranam.