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.