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.