Thursday, November 2, 2017

Shista Gurunathar Temple, Thiruthuraiyur – Legends

Shista Gurunathar Temple, Thiruthuraiyur – Legends
Lord Shiva with Mother Parvathi disguised as Old Couple helped Sundarar to cross overflowing Thenpennai River:
As per the Sthalapuranam of this temple, Saint Sundarar came to this temple after visiting Thiruvennainallur. Thiruvennainallur is where he is believed to have rendered his first hymn and been bestowed with sainthood. On his way to this temple, he was unable to cross the river Thenpennai. He prayed to the lord for his help in crossing the river. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi appeared before him in the form of an old couple and helped him cross the river on a reef boat (Odam). After crossing the river, the old couple disappeared and there was a divine voice that directed him to this temple.
This story is believed to be the origin of the name “Kizhappakkam”. When Sundarar looked towards this temple, he is believed to have seen Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy on their bull mount (Rishaba Vahanam). A beautiful sculpture depicting this dharisanam can be seen on top of the entrance hall. There is also a relief in a pillar that depicts Sundarar crossing the river Pennai on a reef boat.
Shista Guru Natheswarar:
It is believed that in this temple Saint Sundarar was blessed with spiritual powers by Lord Shiva. This was witnessed by Lord Vinayakar. Since Lord Shiva is believed to have taught the rules and principles of penance (“Thava Neri” and “Arumaraikal”), as a guru, the lord here is praised as “Shista Guru Natheswarar”. Prior to this, the lord was known as Sri Pasupatheeswarar and the Goddess was known as Sri Poongothai Nayaki. Beautiful stone reliefs of Sundarar getting the darshan of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi can be seen next to Lord Dakshinamurthy shrine. Idols of Lord Vinayakar, who witnessed Lord Shiva’s discourses can also be seen there.
People worshipped Lord Shiva here:
It is believed that Sage Narada, Sage Vashista, Sage Agasthiar, Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Suryan, Lord Ram, Seetha and Bhima have worshiped the lord of this temple.
Birth Place of Saint Arunandhi Sivachariyar:
This is the birth place of Saint Arunandhi Sivachariyar, popularly known as “Sakalakama Pandithar”. He is the second of the four “Santhana Kuravarkal” and has written the famous treatises on “Sastra” - “Shivagnana Sidhiyar” and “Iruba Irubadu”. There is a separate shrine at his place of burial (Gurumurtham).