Sugavaneshwarar Temple, Salem – Legends
Muni Shuka worshipping Shiva in the form of parrot due
to Brahma Curse:
The
Sthala Puranam was told by Nandhi devar to Sanatha Munivar, which has 672
songs. Once, Brahma was sitting on the lotus among the Devars, Munis, Asuras
and 4 Vedas in the form of pasus. Everybody appreciated the unique
creation power of Brahma. After hearing all these happenings the Muni Sugar, (The
voice of the muni is similar to that of Parrot’s voice) who is a Lord Shiva
devotee, went and told everything to Devi Saraswathi. This muni was born to
Muni Vyasar and Thilothamai, who has a Parrot face.
When
Brahma known this he cursed the Muni Shuka to become a Parrot (King of Parrot)
and the curse will disappear at Salem after worshipping Lord Shiva. While
Muni Shuka worshipping Lord Shiva in the form of parrot, a hunter
Vachirakanthan killed Shuka along with other parrots, who tried to save
Lord Shiva statue. The weapon also hits Shiva statue and blood was oozing from
the lingam.
On
seeing this hunter also killed himself. Lord Shiva appeared and blessed
the parrots and the hunter. Muni Shuka also got the original
appearance. To show this there is Urchavar and Moolavar of Muni Shuka
with Parrot face is installed in the temple. The temple and the place is known
as Sukha Vanam as Suka Rishi worshipped the Shivalingam.
Bheema’s Visit:
Legend
has it that the temple was one among the five temples visited by Bheema, the
second of the Pandava Brothers.
Redemption of Sins:
The
place is believed to have offered redemption to Devas for their various sins and
so it is known as Papanasam
Patteeswaram:
The
place is known as Patteeswaram as Kamadhenu worshiped the Shivalingam.
Nageshwaram:
The
place is also known as Nageshwaram as Adi Shesha worshipped here.