Haridwaramangalam Padaleswarar Temple – Legends
Haridwaramangalam:
A contest arose between Lord Brahmma and Vishnu to
establish their superiority over the other. It was agreed that the one finding
first the feet and/or head of Lord Shiva would be the winner. Brahmma rode
on his Swan vaahana towards the head of the Lord Shiva but could not. Incidentally,
the Thazhampoo (a flower) was falling down from the head of Lord Shiva. Lord
Brahmma asked the flower to say that he found and worshipped the head of Shiva. The
flower too agreed to the false deal. Lord Shiva condemned the false deal of
both and disqualified Thazhampoo for use in Poojas and that there would be no
temple on Earth for Brahmma.
Lord Vishnu took the form of a swine, dug the earth to
reach the feet of Shiva but failed. Lord Vishnu honestly admitted his
defeat. Thus the place was named Hari - Vishnu, Dwara-making pit,
Mangalam-auspicious place – Haridwaramangalam. This incident happened on the
14th day of the waning moon period or Chaturdasi of Krishnapaksham in the Tamil
month of Panguni or Phalgun month. This day is celebrated as Mahasivarathri.
Vanni
Vanam:
This temple was once in a forest of Vanni trees and
today, there is a lone tree standing in the temple premises, testifying itself
as the Sthala Vriksham.
Covered
pit in front of Shrine:
A covered pit in front of the shrine is said to have
been dug by Vishnu in his Varaha Avatharam and enraged by this Shiva broke the
horns of Varaha Moorthy and wore it as an ornament. The nearby Avalivanallur Shivastalam
is also connected with Vishnu’s Varaha Avatharam legend.
Pancha
Aranya Sthalams:
This is one of the Pancha Aranya (five jungles) shrines
of Lord Shiva. It is believed that one should see all the five Pujas
in these five temples in a single day and get the blessings of Lord
Shiva. Thirukkarugavur is the Ushat Kala or wee hours, Avalivanallur
Kalasanthi or morning, Haridwara Mangalam is the Uchikala or midday, Alangudi
is Sayaratchai or twilight and Haridwaramangalam is the Arthajama or
night. It is the staunch belief of the devotees that worshipping
these temples simultaneously would reward the devotee of his worship in
Haridwar in north. Haridwaramangalam is the third among this
group of temples to be visited between 11am and Noon.