Sarguna Nathar Temple, Idumbavanam – Legends
Idumbavanam:
A demon, Idumban by name bathed in the sacred spring of
the temple and worshipped Lord Shiva seeking total salvation. Relieved of all
his past sins, he married one Idumbai, hence the name Idumbavanam to the
place.
Thirugnana
Sambandar walking upside down:
Saint Thirugnana Sambandar visited this place during his
pilgrimage from Vedaranyam to Madurai. As he saw Shivalingas in every
particle of the sand of the place, he walked through the place by his hands
keeping the legs up, according to a story of the place.
Lord
Shiva granted his wedding darshan to Sage Agasthya:
This is also one of the places where Lord Shiva granted his
wedding darshan to Sage Agasthya. The Wedding posture of Lord Shiva with
Mother Parvathi is depicted behind the presiding deity in the sanctum
sanctorum.
Agasthya
relieved Deva Sharma & his wife curse:
During his stay in the place, Sage Agasthya sprayed the
water in his Kamandalam (a hand bowl carried by sages) on Deva Sharma and his
wife who became demons due to their sins.
Pithur
Mukthi Sthalam:
Gunabaran brought the ashes of his father to this place,
he saw his father blessing him and attaining salvation. The place is
considered very sacred for attaining salvation.
Relief
from fear of death:
Lord Yama the God of Death, to relieve himself from the
curse of Lord Shiva for throwing the fate rope on Sage Markandeya by worshipping
Lord in this place. This is a place of worship for relief from the fear of
death.
Brahma
worshipped Shiva here:
Once, the gentle traits (Satva Guna) of Lord Brahmma
began to decline due to the curse of Lord Shiva. To regain the character loss,
Brahmma took on a pilgrimage to Shiva Sthalas. Pleased with his efforts, Lord
Shiva granted darshan in his wedding form with Mother Parvathi, Vinayaka and
Muruga. Hence, Lord Shiva is praised as Sarguna Nathar – Lord of Gentle
Characters. Lord Brahmma created a spring – Brahmma Theertham and
launched the festival, Brahmmotsavam in Vaikasi-May-June.
Other
names of this place:
Vilvavanam, Sarguneswaram, Mangalanayahi Puram,
Manakkola Nagar are the historical names of this place.
People
worshipped Shiva here:
Lord Shiva was worshipped by Lord Brahma, Lord Rama,
Lord Yama, Sage Markandeya, Sage Agastya and Idumban.
Lord
Rama worshipped Shiva here:
The place has greater importance as Lord Sri Rama
worshipped the Lord here to win Ravana.