Kannayariamudayar Temple, Thirukkarayil – Legends
Saptha
(seven) Vidanga Sthalas:
Dangam means the tool of the sculptor. Vidangam means
‘without sculptor’s tool’. That which comes naturally without the use of
Dangam or sculptor’s tool is called Vidangam or Swayambu. Seven places with
such Vidanga or Swayambu Lingas are called Saptha (seven) Vidanga Sthalas. Indira
won a war against the demons with the assistance of Emperor Muchukunda. As
token of his gratitude, Indira wanted to present a gift to the emperor and
asked him what he expected.
Muchukunda asked for Vidanga Linga Indira had. Indira
did not want to part with that valuable asset. He thought of making 6 such
Lingas with the help of the divine sculptor Maya to present them to the emperor.
He made them ready. Muchukunda, with his own divine power found the real Linga
with its fragrance of Sengazhuneer flower. Realizing the play of Lord,
Indira gave all the seven Lingas – 1 + 6 to Muchukunda.
Muchukunda installed these seven Lingas in Seven places.
These places are praised as Saptha Vidanga Sthalas. They are 1) Veedhi
Vidangar in Tiruvarur; 2) Nagara Vidangar in Tirunallar; 3) Sundara Vidangar in
Nagapattinam; 4) Avani Vidangar in Thirukkuvalai; 5) Neela Vidangar in
Tiruvaimur; 6) Bhuvani Vidangar in Vedaranyam and 7) Aadhi Vidangar in
Tirukaravasal. Lord Shiva graces his Kukkuda dance in this place.
People
worshipped Shiva here:
Mother Mahalakshmi, Sages Kabala, Patanjali and
Vyakrapada had worshipped Lord in this temple.
Etymology:
The place was dense with Karahil trees during the
puranic period, it is said. Hence, this was named Tirukarahil and changed
later as Tirukaravasal.
Kadukkai
Vinayaga:
There is also Kadukkai Vinayaka in the temple. Kadukkai
is a nut with medicinal value and is used to be powdered and put in muddy water
to make it crystal clear. This is also used as a medicine for cleaning stuffed
belly. A trader stayed in this place with bags of Jadhikai also a medicinal nut
that attracted higher tax.
Vinayaka in the guise of a boy came to the trader and
asked him about the contents in the bag. To avoid higher tax, the trader
said that the bags contained Kadukkai. All the contents were found to be
Kadukkai. Realizing that the boy was Vinayaka, the trader begged his pardon. They
became Jadhikkai again. Since that day, the boy Vinayaka came to be known
as Kadukkai Vinayaka.
Indra
worshipped Shiva here:
Indra is said to have worshipped Shiva on a full moon
night in the month of Virgo.
Different
Names:
The place is called in different names in the hymns as
Kurumaanakkudi, Kannaarkoyil and Thirukkaaraayil.
