Varadaraja
Perumal Temple, Srivanchiyam – Legends
The
story goes that Vishnu ignored the presence of Bhrigu Rishi and continued to be
engaged in conversation with Goddess Lakshmi. Angered at being thus ignored, Bhrigu
rishi kicked Vishnu on the chest. Accepting his mistake, Vishnu apologized to
the rishi. However, this action of the Lord angered Lakshmi. Since she resided
on his chest and the rishi had kicked him on the chest, Lakshmi expected the
Lord to seek an apology from the rishi instead of him apologizing to the rishi.
Vishnu
came from Vaikuntam and undertook penance here in Srivanchiyam at the sacred Pushkarani
of the Vanchinathaswami temple invoking the blessings of Vanchinathar in an
effort to locate Mahalakshmi who had gone away from him angered at the above
incident. It was Lord Shiva who appeared before Vishnu and helped him re-unite
with Maha Lakshmi. Since Lakshmi’s anger subsided here and she came back to
Lord Vishnu, this place came to be called ‘Sri’ Vanchiyam.
Goddess
Lakshmi felt bad about her decision of leaving Vaikuntam to much displeasure of Lord Vishnu. She made a resolve that she will leave Lord Vishnu at any circumstances. She created a small pond near the Temple. After taking bath in the pond, she prayed to Lord that
she should not be separated from her husband hereafter at any cost. Lord Vishnu was pleased with her prayer and also agreed to stay with her. Adhiseshan and Chakkarathalwar also came down to Srivanchiyam, created Theerthams. Theerthams were named after them. Both of them took bath in their respective theerthams and worshipped Lord Vishnu and Mother.
The tank
named after Lakshmi (on the west) was invoked by Sridevi. A holy dip on a
Friday in the Tamil month of Avani is said to reunite a person with his
estranged family. Sesha Theertham or Naga Theertham (on the south) was made by
Adi Sesha. A holy dip on Thiruvonam day in the Tamil month of Vaikasi is said
to liberate one of all Naga doshas. Those who observe fast on Ekadasi in the
Tamil month of Avani and take bath in Chakra Theertham (on the north) also
known as Rama Theertham here on the following day (Dwadasi) will be absolved of
the Brahmahatti Dosha.