Thirukolakka Sapthapureeswarar Temple – Legends
Thalapureeswarar and Osai Kodutha Nayaki:
Saint
Gnanasambandar, fed with the wisdom milk by Mother Parvathi, visited many Shiva
temples singing his praise clapping his hands in ecstasy. Seeing the
little saint clapping his hands, to relieve him from the pain of doing so, Lord
gave him two golden plates, but they produced no sound. Mother infused the
sound energy into them. Hence, Lord is praised as Thalapureeswarar and
Mother Osai Kodutha Nayaki.
Mahalakshmi married Vishnu here:
When
Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha avatar killed Hiranyakasipu and drank his blood,
he developed demonic qualities and set out to destroy the worlds. On seeing
this, the petrified Devas approached Lord Shiva and sought his merciful protection.
Lord Shiva, assuming the form of Sri Sarabhesvara, quelled the wrath of Sri
Narasimha. Goddess Mahalakshmi, on seeing this, prayed to Lord Shiva requesting
him to give back her husband. Lord Shiva asked her to perform penance in
Kondrai vanam near Sirkazhi.
Sri
Mahalakshmi performed austere penance. Lord Shiva, pleased by her penance, got
her married to Sri Vishnu. With the divine wedding taking place in the Kondrai
forest, the place henceforth came to be known as ‘Thirukkolakka’ .From then,
the place is known as Thirukolakka (Thiru in Tamil – Sri Mahalakshmi, Kola –
Wedding darshan of Sri Mahalakshmi and Sri Vishnu, Ka- forest)
Surya became leader of three worlds by praying to Shiva:
Once
Surya and Indra got into an argument to decide who is mightier and better. They
went to Deva Guru, Brihaspati. Brihaspati advised Surya not to fight with Indra
as he is the leader of all Devas. Disappointed Surya met Sri Naradha Maharishi
who advised him to perform Penance towards Shiva in Kondrai vanam near Sirkazhi.
Surya created Surya Pushkarini and performed Penance for long time.
Shiva
pleased with Penance of Surya and asked him for his wish. Surya asked Shiva for
leadership of all 3 worlds and his devotees to receive health, wealth and
prosperity. Shiva granted the boons and made Surya as leader for Navagrahas.
Surya received these boons on a Sunday of Karthika month (October- November).
Every year on Sundays of Karthika month, Surya Pooja performed for
Panchamurthis.
Kanva Rishi worshipped Shiva here:
Shiva is
believed to have been worshipped by Kanva Rishi at this place.