Pallavaneswarar Temple, Kaveripoompattinam – Legends
Story of Pattinathar:
There
lived in this region a Shiva devotee couple Sivanesar and Gnanakamalambikai. They
were blessed with a son named Tiruvenkadar. He was a marine trader. At 16,
Tiruvenkadar married one Sivakalai but had no issues though years passed
by. To grace them, Lord Shiva was born to Siva Sarmar and Suseelai, a poor
couple. The child was named Marudavanar. Lord Shiva appeared in
their dream and advised them to give Marudavanar to Sivanesar in
adoption.
Marudavanar,
now the adopted son of Tiruvenkadar continued the marine trade of the
family. Returning from his business travel one day, Marudavanar gave a box
to the mother and left out. Tiruvenkadar anxiously opened the box to see
the wealth brought by the son but was shocked to see the box containing a dung
cake made with husk. Throwing it in anger he found written on the cake,
“even a broken needle would not accompany the soul during the last
journey.”
Tiruvenkadar
learnt the truth and renounced his family life at once. He prayed to Lord
Shiva to bless him with salvation. Lord appeared before him and assured
that his wish would be granted at an appropriate time. Known as
Pattinathar then as he was born in Kavirpoom Pattinam, he attained salvation in
Tiruvottriyur.
Pattinathar a reincarnation of Gubera:
Gubera
is believed to have worshipped Shiva at this sthalam. There is also a separate
shrine for Pattinathaar, who is believed to be the reincarnation of Gubera and
the temple itself is known as “Pattinathar temple”.