Sathyanatha Swamy Temple,
Thirukalimedu – Legends
Birth of
Planet Budha:
As per legend, Chandra (Moon) was learning under
his Guru Jupiter. He developed a desire on Dhara, his Guru
wife. He once conducted a Yagna dedicated to Lord Vishnu seeking his
grace. Jupiter attended the Yagna with his wife Dhara as Moon’s
Guru. Moon allured Dhara and made her stay with him. Budha (Mercury)
was born to Moon and Dhara. Jupiter prayed to Lord Shiva and took back
Dhara. Budha was brought up by Chandra (Moon). When he grew
older, Budha was pained to learn the nature of his birth and performed penance. He
came to this
temple and begged Satyanatha Swami to give him a place among the
planets. Lord appeared before him and assured that he would get the
place at an appropriate time. There is a shrine for Budha (Mercury) in the
prakara, situated to the south of the Sanctum.
Karaivananathar:
As per legend, Indra, the king of Devas, was
attracted by the beauty of Ahalya, the wife of sage Gautama. He took
the form of a rooster to wake the sage early in the day. The sage started his
day by going to the river, leaving Ahalya alone in the house. Indra entered the
house to attain Ahalya, but the sage sensed something was wrong in the day. He
returned to the hermitage and saw Indra escaping as a cat. He cursed Indra to
have eyes throughout his body. Indira wandered in earth praying to Lord Shiva
in many places seeking relief. He saw Lord Shiva among the Karai bushes in
this
place, worshipped him in a touching manner and got his relief from
the curse. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Karaivananathar.
Kachinerikkaraikkadu:
In ancient times, people used the path of Thirukalimedu
to gain access to Kanchipuram. Since the path is full of spiny plants, the
sacred place came to be called as Kachinerikkaraikkadu.
Other Names:
The
place was called as Karai Tirunagar, Sathyaviratha
Kshetram, Sathya Viratha Natham, Indrapuri, Indiresam and Kachinerikkaraikkadu.
