Anbil Sathyavageeswarar Temple – Legends
Sevi Saitha Vinayaka:
The
remarkable feature of the temple is the presence of Lord Vinayaka with his big
ear leaning on a side – Sevi (ear), Saitha (leaning) Vinayaka – Sevi Saitha
Vinayaka. Saint Thirugnana Sambandar fed by Mother Parvathi at
Sirkazhi and achieving high and ripe poetical skill singing the glory of
Lord, was passing through this place. Lord Shiva, to test the saint caused
heavy floods in Cauvery. The saint could not reach the place. He sang
in praise of Lord from the other side of the river, but the sound could not
reach the temple clearly.
Vinayaka
in the temple with a view to help the saint also known as Ilaya Pillaiyar - Younger
Pillaiyar - turned his ear on the direction of the sound and enjoyed the hymns
with a smile. He bent one of his legs, sat in a half-sitting form with his
ears wide open. A sculpture depicting this story is a masterpiece of
temple architecture in the temple.
Brahmapureeswarar:
As per
the legend, Brahma worshiped Shiva Linga in this temple. Hence, Shiva is called
as Brahmapureeswarar.
Satyavageeswarar:
Saint
Vageesar also prayed to Shiva in this site. Hence, Shiva in this site is also
named as Satyavageeswarar.
People worshipped Lord Shiva here:
The
Navagrahas have also come here and prayed to Shiva here as depicted in the
carvings. Parvathy Devi is also shown to be praying to Shiva here.
Anbilandurai:
The name
of the place Anbilandurai is a combination of the name of the place Anbil and
the name of the temple Alandurai – Anbilandurai.