Vilvaranyeswarar Temple, Thirukollampudhur – Legends
Odai
Thiruvizha:
When Saint Thirugnana Sambandar reached this place
during his pilgrimage with his followers, he could reach the other side of the
river to worship Lord Shiva. Vettaru River was in full flow. The
boatmen left the boat on the bank and went away. Child saint Sambandar
determined not to leave the place without Lord’s darshan here took a boat and
used his devotional verse as the tool to run the boat and reached the other
side with the grace of Lord.
He completed the Pathigam - 10 verses then. He
worshipped Lord and stayed in the place that night. This event ‘Odai
Thiruvizha’ is held even now on Deepavali New Moon Day when the idol of
Sambandar is taken to the other side of the river and then brought to the
temple where the Deities of Vilwavaranyeswara and Soundara Nayaki give Dharshan
to him.
Pancha
Aranya Sthalam:
It is considered as one of the Pancha Aranya Sthalam
known to be "Vilvavanam" the Fifth in order. Arthajamam (Puja
performed in the Night) is very famous in this Sthalam. “Koovilam” is the Tamil
name for Vilva Tree and the name Koovilampudur is said to have transformed as Kollampudur.
The Vilva trees are said to be the splashes of the celestial nectar Amritam,
and this Sthalam is considered on par with Kasi.
Brahmma
worshipped Shiva here:
Among the various Shiva places Brahmma worshipped for
relief from the Brahmahatti Dosha (a sin of committing a brutal murder- capital
Dosha), this is one.
Sage
Durvasa got vision of Shiva’s Cosmic Dance:
Shiva is said to have blessed Sage Durvasa with a vision
of his Cosmic Dance here.
Arjuna
worshipped Shiva here:
It is believed Arjuna worshipped Shiva here.
