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.