Friday, July 22, 2016

Marundeeswarar Temple, Thirukachur – Legends

Marundeeswarar Temple, Thirukachur – Legends

Marundeeswarar & Irul Neeki Ammai:

As per legend, Indra, the king of Devas, was suffering from an incurable ailment caused by a curse. Even the Ashwini Devas, renowned physicians of the celestial world, could not able to cure him. They decided to search in earth for a powerful herbal to cure Indra. They sought the help of Sage Narada. Sage Narada advised them to worship Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathy in this place for finding the coveted herbs. They came here and worshipped Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathy. Pleased with their worship, Lord Shiva showed them the place where the herbs were present.

They found the herbs, Bala and Athibala, took it to the celestial world. They treated Indra with the herbs and cured him from his illness. Thus, Lord Shiva of this temple came to be called as Marundeeswarar. Though, Lord Shiva showed the place of the herbs to Ashwini Devas, they could not find them as the place was engulfed by darkness. Seeing their situation, Goddess Parvathy took pity on them and lit up the place to enable Irul Neeki Ammai (the mother who drove away darkness).

Marundeeswarar / Oushadheeshwar:

As per legend, once, the place was ravaged by plague. The sage lived in this region was unable to make medicine as he was overwhelmed by the number of people infected with plague. He prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva appeared before him and instructed him to consume the mud from this mountain for cure. Following the advice, people consumed the mud and got cured from plague. Thus, Lord Shiva came to be called as Marundeeswarar / Oushadheeshwar.

Sage Agasthiyar worshipped Marundeeswarar at Thiruvanmiyur & Thirukachur:

As per legend, Sage Agastya is said to have worshipped Lord Marundeeswarar at Thiruvanmiyur and Thirukachur and got blessed with rich knowledge on herbal medicines.

Brahma Chandikeswarar:

As per legend, Lord Brahma worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Hence, Chandikeswarar is in the form of Brahma Chandikeswarar with four faces (Chathur Mukha).

Sakthi Peethas:

As per legend, the skin of the goddess Sati fell on Mount Rudragiri and merged with the sand creating precious medicinal herbs. Hence, this temple is considered as one of Sakthi Peethas.

Sage Agastya & Azhukanni Siddhar worshipped Lord Shiva here:

As per legend, Sage Agastya and Azhukanni Siddhar performed penance on Lord Shiva here under the tree. The tree where they performed penance can be still seen in the hill. People used to perform meditation under the tree on Pournami days for realizing their wishes.

Part of Sanjeevini Hill:

As per legend, when Hanuman carried Sanjeevini mountain to Lanka to save Lakshmana, a part of the mountain fell here. It is said that the hill where the temple is located is considered as the part of Sanjeevini mountain.

Three  Eyes of Lord Shiva:

Lord Shiva of shrines of Marundeeswarar, Irandeeswarar and Virundeeswarar represent the three eyes of Lord Shiva.