Kandhaswamy Temple, Cheyyur –
Legends
Cheyyur:
Surapadman was the son of Varangi, an apsara and Asura Rishi
Vajranga. The couple had three sons and two daughters, and then the rishi went
to meditate again for centuries. Hence, the siblings grew up to be Asuras.
Surapadma did a very long penance to Lord Shiva. As a result, he was granted a
boon that no one except Shiva's offspring, born without Shiva's union with a
female, in any nature, could either kill or defeat him.
This boon resulted in a highly negative effect, as
Surapadma took it to his head, and he conquered the mortal world, either by
direct war, or by subjugation as inferior rulers. He established a capital of
empire at Thiruchendur,
two miles into the sea, and gave parts of his vast empire to his brothers. Meanwhile,
his sister's arm was amputated by a (Ayyanar) guard of the Indrani, as the
sister was trying to get the queen for Surapadman as a concubine.
This angered Surapadman, who then conquered the heaven,
and took all devas as prisoners and tortured them. Lord Shiva had meanwhile
created a Son, Murugan also known as Karthikeya, from his forehead flames.
The boy was extremely handsome and well talented with war and all other
aspects. He started to march towards Thiruchendur,
with the mortal army of Veerabhagu brothers.
Tarakasura, younger brother of Surapadma, ruling the
entrance empire at Thiruporur.
He fought Tarakasura in air at Thiruporur.
He defeated him Tarakasura and made him the elephant mount for Lord Ayyanar.
Lord Murugan fought Simhamukha in land at Thiruparankundram,
defeated him and made him the lion mount for Mother Parvathy. The final battle arose
between Murugan and Surapadma in sea at Thiruchendur.
Lord Murugan defeated Surapadma and made him as his
peacock mount. Lord Murugan got afflicted with sin for killing Surapadma and
his son Iranyeswaran. To propitiate himself from the sin, he is believed to
have installed a Shiva Linga named Somanathar at this
place and worshipped him. As the son (Sei) of Lord Shiva worshipped Lord
Shiva, the place came to be called as Seyur and later got corrupted to Cheyyur.
Vedalams:
As per legend, Bhutaganas (Vedalams) of Lord Shiva’s army
under the command of Bhairava helped Lord Murugan in his battle with Surapadma.
After the battle was over, Bhootaganas informed Bhairava that they wanted to
have darshan of Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Devasena. Lord
Bhairava conveyed the wishes of Bhootaganas to Lord Murugan. Lord Murugan
informed Bhairava that he was about to worship Lord Shiva at Cheyyur
daily. Further, he said that if they wanted to have darshan, they can come to
Cheyyur. As informed, Bhairava came to Cheyyur along with the Bhootaganas and
had their divine darshan. It is believed that Bhairava along with the Bhootaganas
are worshipping Kandaswamy daily during Ardha Jama Pooja.
Nava
Vinayagar Shrines:
There are nine Vinayagar shrines situated around the
temple on the four Mada Veethis (Streets). These Vinayagar shrines were
said to have been worshipped Navagrahas and represents each planet.
Other
Names:
Cheyyur
was also called as Seyoor, Jayam Konda Chozha Nallur, Veera Rajendra Nallur,
Jayamkonda Cholapuram, Seigaiyampathy and Valavapuri.
Lord
Muruga dharshan to Saint Arunagirinathar here:
It is believed that Lord Muruga gave dharshan to Saint
Arunagirinathar here.
