Thursday, October 6, 2016

Shivaloka Thyagaraja Swami Temple, Achalpuram – Legends

Shivaloka Thyagaraja Swami Temple, Achalpuram – Legends

Mukthi Sthalam of Thirugnana Sambandar:

The history of Saint Thirugnana Sambandar is the very history of Saivism philosophy stressing the ultimate truth that reaching the Lotus feet of Shiva should be purpose of a meaningful human life. Father Shivapada Hrudayar asked the Saint Son to marry which though he refused first but gave in reluctantly thinking it to be the will of Lord. Shivapada Hrudayar chose Poompavai, daughter of Sivanesan Chettiyar as his bride. But she died of a snake bite. Thirugnanasambanthar restored her to life with the grace of Lord and simply accepted her as his daughter only. Shivapada Hrudayar then chose Mangai Nallal daughter of Nambiyandar Nambi of Nallur. The wedding took place at Achalpuram. Tiruneelanakka Nayanar conducted the rituals.

Circumambulating the wedding fire pit with his bride, Thirugnana Sambandar prayed to Lord Shiva to protect him from the problems of a marital life and praised him with Kallur Perumanam hymn. Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Jyothi and advised the saint to join him along with all gathered there. Losing himself completely to the Lord, Sambandar sang his last Padhigam (10 verses) highlighting the glory of Panchakshara Mantra – Na Ma Shi Va Ya. All merged with the Lord collectively the same time. Hence, this is the only temple where Thirugnanasambanthar can be seen with his wife. This event is celebrated each year in the temple on the Moola Star day in the month of Vaikasi – May-June.

Achalpuram:

As Achal (Mother), personally attended the wedding of the saint and offered the Vibhuti Prasad to the guests, she is praised as Thiru Venneetru Umaiyammai. The place came to be known as Achalpuram. So, as a unique feature of this temple, Vibuthi prasadam is given in the Goddess’s shrine. This Vibuthi prasadam is considered very auspicious.

Aayal Puram:

The name Achalpuram is believed to have been arrived at from Aayal (means Goddess Parvathi) and Puram (means place).

Achariyapuram:

There is also another theory behind the name of the village. It is believed to have been derived from the name Achariyapuram. Achariya means learned guru and Puram means place in Tamil. This name signifies the fact that Saint Thirugnasambanthar attained salvation here as he is often referred to as Achariya.

Nallur Perumanam:

Achalpuram was called as Nallur Perumanam in ancient times. Nallur is the village where Saint Thiru Gnana Sambanthar’s bride hails from. Perumanam or Periya Thirumanam means a big wedding in Tamil.

Other Names:

Other Names of this place are Shivalogam, Thirunallur, Mukthipuram and Thirumanavai.

Mukthi Sthalam for four Nayanmars:

This is the only temple where 4 Nayanmars – Thirugnana Sambandar, Thiruneelanakka Nayanar, Thiruneelakanda Yazhpaanar, Muruga Nayanar – have attained Mukthi (Salvation). Apart from them, Thiruneelakanda Yazhpaanar’s wife, Mathanga Soolaamaniyar also merged in the Agni and attained salvation.

Shiva Loga Thyagar:

Sages Vashishta, Kakabhujandar, Viswamitra, Parasara, Jamadagni, Durvasa, Bhrigu and Mandhadha were blessed with a vision of Shivaloka (Kailash darshan) after their rigorous penance here. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Shiva Loga Thyagar.

Sage Kakabhujandar:

It is believed that Sage Kakabhujandar travelled to this place by walking with his hands. He considered this place so sacred that he did not want to spoil it by placing his feet there. It is believed that he was also one of the attendees of Sambanthar’s wedding and he also attained salvation here. It is believed that he performed penance sitting in the Niruthi corner – southwest of the Temple.

Thiru Gnana Sambandar Last Devaram Hymns:

Thiru Gnana Sambandar sang the last of his Thevaram verses on the Lord of this temple. He made 7 long trips from Sirkazhi and back. It was on the 7th trip that he reached Achalpuram. In his verses, he refers to himself as being from Sirkazhi and assures the devotees that their sincere prayers at Nallur Perumanam (the ancient name of this place) will see them being liberated from their sins. In another verse, he specifically refers to the names of both the Lord and Ambal.

People worshipped Lord Shiva here:

Lord Vishnu, Murugan, Brahma, Indra, King Mandhadha of Ayodhya, Kakabhujandar, Vashishta, Parasara, Durvasa, Brugu, Ganga Devi, Chandran, Thiruneelakanta Yazhpanar, Muruga Nayanar, Tiruneela Nakka Nayanar and Jamadagni had worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. Lord Brahma secured the creation boon from the Lord here. While Lord Vishnu was granted the power of destroying the wicked and demons. Indira had all the luxuries from Lord Shiva at this place. Holy Ganga Devi performed penance at the entrance of the place. Moon was relieved of his curse.