Kandu Ullam Magizhndha Perumal Temple, Padagacheri – Legends

Kandu Ullam Magizhndha Perumal Temple, Padagacheri – Legends

Kandu Ullam Magizhndha Perumal:

The legend has that, when Ravana caged Sita, she had the strong hope that Lord Sri Rama would certainly come and rescue her. With a view to offer them clues, she dropped her jewels on the way and one such place was Padagacheri. Padagam means anklet. Lakshmana confirmed that it was the anklet of Mother Sita. When Rama asked how he could be so sure, Lakshmana said that he used to worship the feet of his sister-in-law every day and that he knew it was her anklet. Seeing the anklet Rama was happy and this seeing and being happy also is one of the reasons of Perumal being called Kandu Ullam Magizhndha Perumal (Kandu - Seen, Ullam - heart, Magizhndha - Happy). As Padagam (anklet) fell here, the place came to be known as Padagacheri.

Padagacheri Ramalinga Swamigal:

Padagacheri village was the home of an enlightened soul Ramalinga Swamigal. Ramalinga Swamigal, a mendicant, whose mission was to renovate temples and build new ones. Padagacheri Mahan, as he is referred to, would visit every house in the village and collect money for this purpose. Endowed with healing powers, he is said to have cured people of many ailments. His name is associated with the massive annadhanam that he would organize on full moon days and during festivals.

A mutt is built at the place and Annadhanam-feeding the poor - is grandly celebrated on the Aadi Pooram day in July-August being his Samadhi day. It is noteworthy that even in those days, when basic facilities were not available, he fed more than one lakh people. His Jeeva Samadhi is in Thiruvotriyur near that of Saint Pattinathar. It is said that during the feeding, many dogs would appear in human form, eat the food and disappear miraculously. This miracle happens even now. He attained salvation in the year 1949 on the Aadi Pooram day.