Bhuminathaswamy Temple, Thiruchuli, Aruppukkottai –
Legends
The name Thiru Chuzhial:
The
legend has that this sacred place was troubled with the flood water in all
three Yugas. In Dwapara Yuga also the same scenario repeated, the
King who was ruling this city was a passionate devotee of Lord
Shiva. He earnestly prayed to Lord to save this land from the
deluge. Lord Shiva was pleased at the devotion of the King; he
plunged the Earth with his Trident and created an opening. Therefore, all
the flood water drained through this hole and the land was
protected. Thus, this sacred land has got its name ‘Thiru Chuzhial’.
Sun worshipped Dinakareswara Lingam:
The
Dinakareswara Lingam was worshipped by the Sun, according to the legends associated
with this temple.
Lord in Kalyana Kolam:
Parvati
is said to have meditated upon Shiva, seeking his hand in marriage; this event
is commemorated in the Amman Tapas Utsavam in the month of Aadi for 10 days
each year. As Lord grants his darshan with Mother in his wedding posture, devotees
conduct marriages in the temple.
Sundarar Visit to this Temple with Cheraman Perumal:
Sundaramoorthy
Nayanar is believed to have visited this temple with the Chera King Cheraman
Perumal.
Saivite Saints visit to this Temple:
Saivite
Saints Sundarar and Thirunavukarasar had come to this place to worship Lord and
stayed in the mutt here.
Lord Shiva appearing in Sundarar Dream:
Lord Shiva
came to Thiruchuzhial as he considered this place more glorious than Mount Kailas
itself. According to history, Lord Shiva appeared in the dream of
Sundarar with a gold bouquet and tuft in the head as a young lad.
Benefits of worshipping Lord Shiva in Thiruchuzhi:
Worshipping
Lord Shiva in Thiruchuzhi with just one piece of Vilwa leaf is considered equal
to worshipping Lord with 1000 Vilwa leaves in all sacred places of the
country.
Place for Salvation:
Thought
and talk of Thiruchuzhial Lord ensures the devotee total salvation. His/her
sins committed knowingly or unknowingly will be wiped off as cotton dust in the
whirlwind. Charities offered here bring manifold benefits to the devotees
than done at other places.
Other Names:
The
place is also praised as Vayalur, Mukthipuram, Avarthapuram, Shulapuram,
Arasavanam, Chuzhigai and Chuzhikapuri.
Bhoodevi worshipped Shiva here:
Another
legend has that Goddess Bhoodevi worshipped Lord Shiva on this sacred
land. Thus, the presiding deity has got his name ‘Bhoominathar’.
People worshipped Shiva here:
Worshipped
by Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Bhoodevi, Lord Indra, Lord Surya, Sage
Gauthama, Sage Kanva, Ahalya, and Cheraman Peruman.