Thursday, December 15, 2016

Kandaswamy Temple, Thiruporur – Legends

Kandaswamy Temple, Thiruporur – Legends

Sri Chidambara Swamigal:

Sri Chidambara Swamigal, the founding guru of Thiruporur Adheenam was an ardent devotee of Madurai Meenakshi Amman. Once, he performed penance on Meenakshi Amman without consuming food for her darshan. He continued his penance for several days and his health got deteriorated. Pleased with his penance, Goddess Meenakshi appeared in his dreams. Also, he heard the sound of the anklets of her. When he opened his eyes, he got a divine view of her feet.

Then, Goddess raised Sri Chidambara Swamigal to his feet and as her hands touched him, his skin turned golden. She instructed him to build a temple for Lord Murugan in Thiruporur as six earlier attempts to build the temple had failed. As instructed, Sri Chidambara Swamigal went to Thiruporur and found the area was a dense forest abounded with palm trees. He searched for an idol of Muruga, but his efforts were in vain. Even, he could not find any evidence of any previous attempts to build the temple.

When he failed to locate the site, Lord Muruga himself appeared in the form of a small boy showed him the location. Chidambara Swamigal unearthed the Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested idols) of Lord Muruga with his consorts and established the temple. There is a separate shrine dedicated to him in the temple and he is given special respect during the Vaikasi Visakam festival. During the last event of the festival, he is depicted merging with the presiding deity.

Arcot Nawab daughter got cure from her stomach pain:

Thiruporur was under the control of Arcot Nawab during 17th century CE. His daughter was suffering from severe stomach pain. Even, his royal physicians could not able to treat her. His minister suggested that the ruler should seek the blessings of the Sri Chidambaram Swamigal of Thiruporur for relief. As all his efforts failed to cure his daughter made the Muslim ruler to prostrate before Chidambaram Swamigal along with his daughter for relief. When Sri Chidambara Swamigal applied the sacred ash to his daughter’s body, she was cured instantly.

Thiruporur:

As per legend, Lord Murugan waged the war against the demons in three places namely Thiruchendur, Thiruparankundram and Thiruporur. Lord Murugan fought with demons in sea at Thiruchendur, in land at Thiruparankundram and in air at Thiruporur. It is believed that Lord Muruga fought with Tharakasura in this place and slayed him. Hence, the place came to be called as Porur / Poriyur (Por means war in Tamil). The place also called as Tharukapuri, Yuddhapuri and Samarapuri.

Pranava Malai:

As per legend, Lord Murugan along with his consorts Valli & Devasena granted protection to Devas and taught them the meaning of Pranava here. It is also believed that Lord Murugan taught the meaning of Pranava to Sage Agastya during his visit here while he was on his way to Podhigai hills. It is said that the concept of Pranava is born here. Hence, the hill behind the temple came to be called as Pranava Malai.

Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi got relief from the curse of Kanva Rishi:

Once, Kanva Rishi cursed Lord Vishnu and Maha Lakshmi. Lord Vishnu along with his consort Lakshmi worshipped Vanmeeganathar in this temple. Lord Shiva appeared before them and liberated them from their curse.

Vanmeeganathar:

As per legend, Lord Murugan worshipped Vanmeeganathar to get rid of the sin of having killed Surapadman.

Valliyar Odai / Shanmuga Theertham:

As per legend,  Valliyar Odai (Shanmuga Theertham) was formed when the spear of Lord Murugan pierced the earth and water came gushing out.