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).