Thursday, December 22, 2016

Manathunai Nathar Temple, Valivalam – Legends

Manathunai Nathar Temple, Valivalam – Legends

Valivalam:

As per legend, a pious man was cursed to be born as Karikurivi (black sparrow) due to the sins committed in his previous birth. This small bird lived in constant fear it faces from the bigger birds. One day, it was attacked by a bigger bird and was bleeding profusely. It flew and took shelter in the hole of a tree. It noticed a Shaiva Yogi teaching his disciples about the greatness of Lord Shiva of Madurai and the sacred tank, Potramarai Kulam under the tree. The bird was impressed with teachings and flew to Madurai. The bird circumambulated the temple and had a holy dip in the Potramarai tank in the temple

It worshipped Sundareswarar for three days continuously. Pleased with its prayers, Lord Shiva appeared before the bird and wanted to grant its boon. The bird wanted to be a strong one (Valiyathu means strong in Tamil) to protect itself from the attacks of bigger birds. It asked this boon not itself but for all the smaller birds. Lord Shiva granted its wish and the bird came to be called as Valiyan from the day onwards. It is said that the bird (Valiyan) circumbulated the shrine and hence the place came to be called as Valivalam. It is also said that the bird worshipped Lord Shiva and attained salvation here.

Mada Kovils:

Kochengat Chola was an early Chola king and one of the 63 Nayanmars (Saivite saints) of Saivism. He is believed to have attained spiritual rebirth of a spider that fought with an elephant in its previous birth over the worship of the Lord Shiva. He had red eyes during birth as he remained in his mother’s womb a little longer. His mother, looking into the baby red eyes said Kochengkannano (in Tamil Ko=king, Cheng=red, Kan=eyes), which literally means king with red eyes and hence he was named Kochengat Cholan. After becoming a king, he followed Saivism and built 70 Maadakovils, temples with elevated structure where elephants cannot reach the sanctum, in the Chola empire. It is believed that this is one of the temple built by him.

Chakra Theertham:

As per legend, Lord Surya is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple and the wheels of his chariot were believed to have created the theertham here. As the theertham is created by the wheels (Chakra) of the chariot of Lord Surya, it came to be called as Chakra Theertham.

Kaarana Theertham:

As per legend, Kaarana Maharishi is said to have excavated a theertham and worshipped Lord Shiva here. The theertham created by him came to be called as Kaarana Theertham. It is situated on the eastern side of the temple.

People worshipped Lord Shiva here:

Suryan, Valiyan, Kaarana Maharishi, Pandavas, Kochengata Cholan and Arunagirinathar had worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple.

Other Names of Valivalam:

Valivalam was called as Vilvavanam, Ekachakrapuram and Moonutru Mangalam in ancient times.