Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Temple, Thenthiruperai,
Thoothukudi – Legends
Story behind the name Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar:
According
to the legend, Goddess Lakshmi was upset that Lord Vishnu spent most of his
time with Bhoodevi. Lakshmi shared her sorrow with Sage Durvasa and she wished
that she wanted the same colour and beauty as Bhoodevi. Sage Durvasa, who went
to meet Bhoodevi, was angered at her for disregarding his presence. Durvasa
cursed Bhoodevi to have the same form and colour as Sridevi.
Bhoodevi
started penance on the banks of Tamirabarani. During that time, she found two
fish shaped ear rings and offered it to Vishnu, Vishnu wore this and he came to
known as Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar. Bhoodevi who took the form and colour of
Sridevi came to known as Thiruperai Nachiyar.
Varuna penance on Vishnu:
Another
story is that having been defeated by the Asuras, Varuna (the Rain God) lost
his chief weapon (he had earlier insulted his Guru and hence this fate) and
undertook penance here. Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared before him on the
full moon day in Panguni and helped him recover his lost weapon as well as his
powers.
To mark
this episode, it is believed that Varuna visits this temple, every year, on the
full moon day in the month of Panguni (March-April) to worship Vishnu.