Muktheeswarar Temple, Sethalapathy – Legends
Rama
performed Tharpanam to King Dasaratha here:
Lord Rama performed Last Rites (called as
Tharpan/Tharpanam) for King Dasaratha at various places by placing 4 rice balls
(called as Pindam). However, to his dismay the pindams turned into worms each
time when he performed the ritual. A worried Rama prayed to Lord Shiva,
who advised Rama to go to mantharavanam (earlier name of this place) and offer
his prayers there. He was also instructed to take bath in the Arasalaru River
near there, before performing the Pitru Tharpanam (Last rites to
Ancestors).
Rama did as instructed. The four pindams to his amazement
became four Lingams. Dasaratha Maharaja thus attained mukthi (salvation)
and hence the name of the deity here is Muktheeswarar. Since then, the locals
believe that that performing the Pitru Tharpanam here absolves you of all your
Pitru Sabams (ancestral curse) and Pitru Doshams (ancestral sins). It is
said to be equivalent to that of Kasi and Rameshwaram.
Rama &
Lakshmana performed last rites to Jatayu:
As per the Temple history, Lord Rama along with his
brother Lakshmana performed Last Rites to the Bird King Jatayu.
Mukthi
Kshetram:
The name Thilatharpanpuri came from Thil – Gingelly and
Tharpanam means performing Pitru poojas/karmas for the ancestors (a Hindu
ritual). The name came from coining these two words. The local story claims
that performing the Pitru Tharpanam here absolves you of all your Pitru Sabams
(ancestral sins) and Doshams. There are 7 Sthalams for performing these rituals
viz. Kasi, Rameswaram, Srivanchiyam, Thiruvengadu, Gaya, Thiriveni Sangamam and
Thilatharpanpuri. Performing Tharpanam here on Amavasya day is considered
special. This is a Mukthi Kshetram.
Naramukha
Vinayagar:
Once upon a time Mother Parvati wished to take a bath in
Harisolmahanathi. She created a boy from Manjal (Turmeric) powder and after
giving life to this boy asked him to stand guard outside while she took bath. Meanwhile,
Lord Shiva returned home. When he tried to enter the house, the boy prevented
him from doing so. In anger, Shiva beheaded the boy. When Parvati saw this, she
burst into tears as the boy was made of her own thing and he is like her son.
In order to console her, Shiva sent out his troops (gana) to fetch the head of
anyone found sleeping with his head pointing to the north. (That is one of the
reason there is a belief that you should not sleep keeping your head pointing
to North – even today).
They found an elephant sleeping thus and brought back
its head. Shiva then attached the elephant’s head to the body of the boy and
gave him new life. He named the boy Ganapathi, which means commander of his
troops. He also granted him a boon that everyone would worship him (Ganesha)
before beginning any work. This is the only type of Vinayagar where He has a
human face. This is supposed to be the First Vinayagar that Goddess Parvathi
created.
Brahmma
got relieved of Lord Shiva curse here:
The legend has that Lord Shiva performed cosmic dance in
the presence of all deities, Sages and celestial dancers & Singers at Mount
Kailash. The entire cosmos was immersed at the captivating exquisiteness
of Lord’s dance forms and the divine couple provided blessings to those who
were assembled. In the meantime, Lord Vayu was completely wrapped up with the
situation, in a state of bliss activated a noticeable airstream that caused to
misplace the attire of Urvasi (celestial dancer), Lord Brahma who
was standing next to Urvasi was absorbed at the beauty of her.
Lord Shiva was furious at the unruliness of Lord Brahma
and cursed him to take birth on Earth. Lord Brahma realized his
foolishness, earnestly prayed to Lord Shiva. The compassionate Lord Shiva
advised Lord Brahma to worship him at Thiruthilathaipathi, which would free him
from the curse. Lord Brahma sincerely followed the instructions of Lord
Shiva, arrived on this sacred land and created a pond Brahma Theertham, underwent
severe austerities and performed sacred bath to Lord Shiva.
Eventually, Lord Brahma was relieved from the
curse. Meanwhile, Goddess Dakshayani was undergoing severe penance for
several years on this sacred place to get released from the sin committed due
to the disrespectful act to Lord Shiva and the humiliating experiences at the
Daksha Yaga. Lord Brahma noticed that Goddess Dakshayani was enclosed by
huge mound of ants were ultimately cleared by him. Soon, Goddess Sri
Parvati appeared before Lord Brahma and blessed him. Further, Lord Brahma
worshipped Lord Shiva with his consort Goddess Sri Parvati and got relieved
from the sins.
People
worshipped Lord Shiva here:
Lord Brahma, Lord Rama & Lakshman, Lord Surya, Lord
Chandra, Airavatam were said to have worshipped Shiva at this Kshetram.
Pithrus
appeared before King Narchodhi here:
King Narchodhi underwent severe austerities and
performed strict homage to his father in many sacred places. Finally, he
arrived on Thilathaipathi and carried out Thilatharpanam and final rites to his
father, while performing the rituals Pithrus appeared before him and received
the offerings.
