Agastheeshwarar Temple, Kiliyanur – Legends
Sage
Kalava Maharishi visit to this place:
It is said that Sage Kalava Maharishi came to this place
and stayed here for a long time with his two daughters who were suffering from
some critical illness. They prayed to Lord Shiva here. Impressed by their
devotion, Lord Shiva blessed the Sage’s daughters and cured them of their
ailments.
Agastheeshwarar:
It is said that the lingam (Moolavar) was installed and
worshiped by Sage Agasthiyar, so the lord is named Agastheeshwarar.
Nandhi
Devar is worshiping Ambal during Maha Shiva Rathri:
It is also said that Nandi Devar (the bull which serves
as the mount of Lord Shiva), who is in front of Goddess Akilandeswari is
performing poojas and worshiping her on Maha Shivaratri days. Some inscriptions
about this are also available in this temple.
People
worshipped Lord Shiva here:
Moolavar was installed by Agasthiyar and worshiped by
Sukar, Aadhishesahan, Kalava Maharishi.
Sukha
Brahmma Maharishi worshipped Lord Shiva here:
It is also believed that the parrot-faced Sage Sukhabrahmma
Maharishi visited and worshipped Lord Shiva here to seek relief from his
stomach ailments. As Rishi is parrot (Kili) faced, the village is named as
Kiliyanur after his name.
Adhiseshan
worshipped Lord Shiva here:
Adhiseshan (the serpent on whom Sri Mahavishnu rests) is
also believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. Therefore, this temple
is Rahu Kethu Parihara Sthalam.
Connection
to early Cholas:
The name Kili refers to Chola Kings like Nedunkilli and
Killivalavan. Therefore, it is considered to be connected to Cholas.
