Alagirinatha Swamy Temple, Salem – Legends
The
history begins with the visit of Sage Brugu to Vaikunta when Lord was in talk
with Mother Mahalakshmi. Lord pretended as if he did not notice the visit
of the sage. Angry Muni dared to hit the Lord for his indifference. Noticing
this, Mother left the place in anger. To teach a lesson to the sage, Lord
removed the wisdom eye on his feet making him powerless.
Sage,
realizing his folly, sought the pardon of Lord. The sage was advised to get
the pardon from Mother first. The sage came to this place and performed penance
on Mother Mahalakshmi. He found one day a pretty child sitting alone and
crying. He took the child, named her Sundaravalli and brought her
up.
When she
attained the marriageable age, the sage found that Lord Narayana alone was a
deserving match for Sundaravalli and prayed to him. Lord came as Azhagirinathar
and married Sundaravalli. Sage came to know that the child he brought up
was but Mother Mahalakshmi and sought her pardon. Lord Azhagirinathar and
Mother Sundaravalli pardoned the rishi. They stayed here itself as wished by
Sage Brugu.