Apatsahayesvarar Temple (Guru Sthalam), Alangudi – Legends
Alangudian:
Aalam in Tamil and Sanskrit means poison of highest
intensity which would burn the whole world which sprang up first while churning
the milk ocean. When the whole world – earth, pathala the world below and the
one above the earth – was trembling with fear of total destruction, Lord Shiva
came forward and consumed it to protect the universe. Lord Shiva drank the
Aalam, hence the name Alangudian.
Tamil Poet Kalamega known for his witty expressions
says, "Who said that Alangudian would not drink (Kudi) the Aalam. If he
did not, all in the world would have perished." The reputation of the
place is also due to the fact that none is affected by any poison problem in
this place. As the holy tree is the black poolai plant, the place is named
Tiruirumpoolai and also as Alangudi as the Lord protected the world by
consuming the Alam poison while churning the milk ocean.
Pancha
Aranya Sthalas:
Alangudi is regarded as one of the Pancha Aranya Sthalas
– Pancha-five, Aranya-forest covered).
Parivara
Temple of Thiruvidaimarudhur:
Of the various subsidiary temples attributed to Thiruvidaimarudhur
Lord Mahalinga Peruman, Alangudi is one.
Sundarar:
The idol is small and appears a little damaged. This was
taken to Tiruvarur once by a king. However, the idol has been brought back to
Alangudi by a priest. To escape the constables on the way, the priest told them
that he was taking his child suffering from measles. Surprisingly, when the
priest unfolded the idol after reaching the Alangudi temple, he found small-pox
scars on the statue too which are visible even now.
Kalangaamal
Kaatha Vinayakar:
While saint Sundarar was caught in the floods while coming
to Alangudi, Lord Shiva himself came to his rescue in a boat and Lord Vinayaka
protected the boat from capsizing and therefore is called Kalangamal Katha
Vinayaka (Vinayaka who protected from fear of boat capsize).
Ganesha
killed Gajamukhasuran here:
It is believed that Ganesha killed the demon Gajamukhasuran
at this holy place.
Muchukunda
Chola got rid of Brahmahatti Dosham:
According to the legend, the temple at this Shiva
Sthalam was built by Amuthohar, a minister of Muchukunda Chakravarthy who ruled
Tiruvarur. The minister was asked to share with the King the Punniya he earned
by being an ardent Shiva devotee. The minister refused to do so and was
beheaded. The king got rid of "Brahmahatti Dosham" he got by killing
his minister by worshipping Lord Shiva Aapathsahayar at this Sthalam.
People
worshipped Lord Shiva here:
Legend has it that Rishi Viswamithra, Ashtathik
Balagargal, Agasthiyar, Pulasthiyar, Kagapujandar, Sugarbramma Maharishi and
Adhi Shankara have worshipped Shiva in this Sthalam.
Chakra
Theertham:
It is a belief that Chakra Theertham was created by Maha
Vishnu’s Chakra (Disc).
Marriage
Parihara Sthalam:
Lord Shiva’s wife Parvathi or Ambal undertook a severe
penance and married Lord Siva in this place. So this place is called as
Thirumana Mangalam, a place where weddings get finalized. Guru/Jupiter’s place
in the natal chart influences marriage prospects.
