Deva Pureeswarar Temple, Thevur – Legends
Thiruthevur:
According to Hindu
mythology, the Devas worshipped Shiva at Thevur to rid themselves of
the sin of killing Vruddhasura. Hence this place got the name Thiruthevur.
Ramayana
Connection:
The temple is also associated with the legends of
the Ramayana. Ravana fought with Kubera and robbed him of his pots
of wealth. Kubera set out on a pilgrimage to get back his wealth. He
worshipped Lord Devapureeswarar in this temple with Red Lotus flowers on a
Friday at Shukra Hora time – 6.00 a.m. to 7.00 a.m. and 12.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
are Shukra Hora time on Fridays. Pleased with his worship, Lord helped
Kubera to get back his wealth robbed by Ravana, according Sthala Purana. Sthala
Purana says by worshiping Lord Siva here one will get back their position
and wealth which they have lost.
Mahabharata
Connection:
As per the Mahabharata, Virata worshipped Shiva at the temple along with his daughter
Uttara.
Devagurunathar:
Brihaspathi, the Guru of the Devas, worshipped Shiva
here; hence the deity is called Devagurunathar. So there is no Muyalagan seen
under the legs of Deva Guru.
Sthala
Vriksham:
It is said that the Kal Vazhai came down from the
Devaloka and remained near the Lord as the sacred tree of the temple. This
grows on stones.
Gautama
worshipped Shiva to help people from Drought:
Sage Gautama worshipped Lord with his own Linga here for
gold etc. to help people from starvation during a 12 year famine period.
Kulavardanan
completed his Yagna with the blessings of Lord Shiva:
Magatha King Kulavardanan completed his yajna with the
blessings of Lord Devapureeswarar, according to Sthala Purana.
People
worshipped Shiva here:
Gautama Muni, Indhra, Kubera, Kal Vaazhai, Guru Bhagavan,
Virata, Uttara, Kulavardanan and Surya are also believed to have worshipped
Shiva here.