Sugavaneshwarar Temple, Salem - Prayers
Devotees
pray to Vikata Chakra Vinayaka in the temple with coconut, fruits, sugar and
perform archanas for the welfare of children with Balarishta (Bala-children,
Arishta – illness) aspects from the planets. It may be noted that
the invocation song in Kandapuranam by Kachiappa Sivachariar is addressed to
Vikata Chakkara Vinayaka.
Those
worried about the adverse aspects of lizards falling on their bodies indicating
omens, come to the temple for relief. Child boon, marriage, job
opportunities are other prayers submitted to the Lord here. Sage Sukha
worshipped in the temple taking a parrot form. Hence, the place came
to be known as Sukhavanam and the Lord Sukhavaneswarar.
The
temple is mentioned in the hymns of Arunagiriar and is linked with events as
the Lord granting darshan to Adisesha, Chera king, the Devas worshipping the
Lord in the form of Bodhi tree (Arasamaram) and the celebrated Tamil woman poet
Avvaiyar conducting the marriage of her adopted daughter.
Devotees
perform abishek to the Lord and Mother with Turmeric paste, Sandalwood paste
and panchamirtham and also offer vastras.