Soundararajaperumal Temple, Nagapattinam – Legends
Kaveri Thuraivan:
The
tributary of river Cauvery, Odambokki, passes close to the temple and the river is
also called Virutha Kaveri. This leads to one of the names of presiding deity,
"Kaveri Thuraivan".
Sundararinyam:
The
present day Nagapattinam is believed to have been a forest, historically named
Sundararinyam.
Eunuchs attained physical fitness after bath in
Theertham:
It is
believed that two eunuchs, Kandan and Sukandan, attained physical fitness after
having a holy dip in Sara Pushkarani, the temple tank.
Brahma worshipped Vishnu here:
The
Hindu god of creation, Brahma, started worshiping Vishnu at this place. Vishnu is
believed to have appeared on the auspicious day of Masi Maham on the
banks of Sarapushkarani. On account of the glow emanating from Masi Maham,
Vishnu at this place was called "Azhagiyan". Since he had a
glittering skin, he was called "Soundara Rajan", meaning the most
beautiful and his consort was called Soundaravalli.
Adisesha worshipped Vishnu here:
Since
the king of Nagars (snakes),Adisesha worshipped Vishnu at this place, the place was
called Nagar Pattinam, the place of Nagars.
Druva attained Salvation here:
Another
legend has that Druva, Son of King Uthanapadha underwent penance to get
possession of the entire world under his regime and he prayed to Lord
Vishnu. He followed strict austerities in this sacred land. The
compassionate Lord appeared before Druva in one of his most beautiful form on
his celestial vehicle Garuda. After seeing the most attractive form of
Lord, Druva completely forgot his longing to rule the entire world and
requested Lord to provide Salvation.
Fame across 4 Yugams:
The fame
of this temple is distinct and dates back across each of the 4 Yugams. In
Kretha Yugam, the king of Nagas (Serpent Lord) undertook penance here. Pleased
with this, Lord Vishnu agreed to accept Adisesha as the one on whom he would
rest ‘always’. Since the Serpent Lord bagged this big gift from the Lord, this
place has come to be called ‘Naagar’ Pattinam. It was here that Bhooma Devi in Thretha
Yugam, and Markandeya Rishi, in Dwapara Yugam, Saleesa Chola during Kali
Yuga undertook
penance.
Naga Raja performed Kanniga Dhanam:
It is
believed that Naga Raja performed Kanniga Dhanam at this kshetram.
