Thripuranthakeswarar Temple, Thiruvirkolam, Coovum –
Legends
Tiruvirkolanathar:
The
all-powerful Asuras, Tarakan, Kamalatchan and Vithvan Mali built palaces in
gold, silver and iron respectively and were troubling the Devas more
frequently. The Devas along with Vishu and Brahma worshipped Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva
personified sky as the roof, ground as base, Surya & Chandra as Wheels, Four
Vedas as horses, Merumalai as the Bow, Vasuki as the string
and Lord Vishnu himself as the arrow. Lord Brahma was steering the Chariot.
Due to the
urgency, Lord Shiva forgot to worship Ganesha before setting out for the
battle. It is a procedure to worship Lord Ganesha before beginning any act.
Lord Ganesha made the Achu (caster bolt) of the chariot to be broken into pieces
to remind Lord Shiva about the procedure. This incident happened in Achirupakkam.
Lord Shiva realized it and came back to worship Ganesha and went ahead to win
the demon.
The same
legend is associated with Thiruvathigai Veerattaneswarar Temple and
Aksheeswaraswamy Temple, Acharapakkam. When the axle of his chariot broke, the
chariot lost control and the axle fell at River Koovam. Lord Shiva is said to
have stood up and gained his balance by placing his bow on the ground. Hence,
he came to be called as Tiruvirkolanathar.
Kooram:
As Lord
Shiva rose as a Swayambhu from the place where the Koovaram (axle) of the
chariot stuck. Hence the place was named as Kooram which later got changed to
Cooum.
Tripuranthaka &
Tripuranthaki:
As the Lord
took on a march against Tripuranthaka demons, he also bears the name
Tripuranthaka, and Mother Tripuranthaki.
Origin of River Coovum:
It is
believed that water sprang up from the place where the bow hit the ground and
flowed to cleanse the feet of Lord Shiva. This water formed the source for
Koovam River. The word Koovam might have derived from the word Koovaram (axle)
or from the word Koobam (water source).
Theenda Thirumeni:
An injury
scar can be found on the head of Lingam. Due to this injury, Abishekams are
performed without touching the head of the Lingam. Pachai Karpooram is applied
on the head of Lingam. Hence, Linga was not allowed to be touched by anyone. He
is called as Theenda Thirumeni.
No frogs in Agni Theertham:
It is
believed that Lord Shiva is performing penance here eternally. It is also
said that no frogs are present in the temple tank, Agni Theertham as their
sounds would disturb Lord Shiva Penance.
Tharka Madha:
Lord Shiva
competed with Goddess Kali in a dance performance at this place as per the
request of Sages Munjikesar and Karkodar. Lord Shiva performed his Oordhuva
Thandavam (with one leg up towards his head). As Kali could not able to do this
dance, Lord Shiva was adjudged as winner. Mother Kali was very angry at her
defeat. Lord Shiva consoled her. Also, he informed her that he would perform a
pleasing dance (Raksha dance) at this place. Goddess Kali was happy to witness
Lord Shiva’s dance and she is gracing the devotees in the name of Tharka Madha in
a separate shrine. Since, she contested against Lord Shiva in a dance
competition, she came to be called as Tharka Madha (Tharka means
debate/argument).