Thoovanayanar Thoovainathar Temple, Arur
Paravayunmandali – Legends
Sundarar regains vision:
Saint
Sundaramurthy Nayanar once violated his promise made to his second wife Sangili
Nachiyar. He promised that he would never part her. As he wanted to see his
first wife Paravai Nachiyar, he proceeded to Tiruvarur. As a punishment for the
violation of the promise, he lost his vision. Sundarar began his journey with
his blind eyes to the Shiva shrines praying for the restoration of vision. At Kanchipuram,
Lord Ekambareswarar blessed him with the left eye, as recommended by his
consort Sri Kamakshi.
Continuing
the journey, Sundarar reached Tiruvarur and prayed the Lord to regain the
vision of the right eye. Lord Shiva advised him to bathe in the tank in the
northeast corner and worship him. Sundarar got back his eyes by the grace of
Lord Shiva. The event of Sundarar getting vision of his right eye is evidenced
by the eye symbol visible on the Lord during abishek times.
Durvasa Nayanar:
This was
once a sand temple under the sea, according to the history of the land. When
tides of sea burst devastatingly tall threatening destruction of the world,
Devas and Sages surrendered at the feet of Lord Shiva for protection. Lord
told Sage Durvasa that if a tank could be dug at the Agni corner – south east
corner of the land and prayers offered to him, the tides would subside and
lives would be saved. Headed by Sage Durvasa, all carried out the
instructions of Lord and performed pujas. Responding to the prayers of the
devotees, Lord Shiva absorbed the fury of the sea and saved the world. As
Lord was worshipped by Sage Durvasa, He is also known as Durvasa Nayanar.
Vishwakarma made all temple idols:
It is said that all idols of the temple were
made by the divine sculptor Vishwakarma.
People worshipped Shiva here:
Indran,
Durvasa, Sundarar and all Devas worshipped Shiva of this temple.