Kodi Kuzhagar Temple, Kodiakkarai – Legends
Amirthakadeswarar:
When Devas and Asuras churned Thiruparkadal for amirtha
(nectar), many things came out of ocean and finally they got the nectar. The
devas gave the amrita (nectar)
in a pot to Vayu to carry out to a safer place. When Vayu was carrying the nectar
pot, Asuras created wind storm to stop Vayu. The pot got tilted due to the
storm and few drops of nectar fell down at this
place and a Shiva Lingam was formed from the drops of amrita.
Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Amirthakadeswarar.
It is also said that Lord Murugan collected few drops of amrita in a pot.
Hence, Lord Murugan came to be called as Amrita Subramanya. He can be seen with
Amrita Kalasam in his hands in this
temple. It is also noted that Vinayagar is called as Amrita Vinayagar and
Theertham is called as Amrita Theertham in this
temple.
Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here:
As per legend, Lord Rama is said to have sighted Sri
Lanka from this
place during his search of Sita. Sugriva planned to build a bridge from
here to Lanka to help Rama to cross the sea, given its proximity to Lanka. However,
Lord Rama disagreed with the proposal as Kodiakkarai
is behind Lanka and that would be inappropriate to attack Ravana from behind.
Lord Rama preferred to construct the bridge from Dhanushkodi
as it is located opposite to the front entrance of the island. Lord Rama worshipped
Lord Shiva here before proceeding to Sri Lanka. To commemorate the event, the
foot prints of Rama is carved here. The foot prints of Lord Rama is situated at
about 4 Kms from this
temple.
People worshipped Lord Shiva here:
Narada, Indra, Kuzhaga Munivar, Brahman (son of Sveta
Munivar), Sundarar, Cheraman Perumal, Sekkizhar, Arunagirinathar and Siddhars
had worshipped Lord Shiva of this
temple.