Thirumoolanathar Temple, Poovalur – Legends
Resurrection of Manmatha:
This
Temple is especially connected with the legend of Manmathan. Shiva had burnt
Manmatha to ashes after he tried to divert his attention by aiming arrows of
love at him. A grief struck Rathi Devi prays to Shiva to restore her husband
back to life. It is here that Rathi Devi got back Manmatha, the God of Love, by
praying to Thirumoolanathar. As Manmathan is believed to have sugarcane
bow and flower arrow, he is also known as Poovaliyan and this place came to be
known as Puvaliur which in due course, became Puvalur or Poovalur.
Place for Salvation:
This is
also an ancient temple where Brahma, Indra, Agni and Manmathan attained
salvation.
Gnanapureeswarar:
It is
also believed that the Saptha Rishis got Knowledge after praying here and hence
the Lord is called Gnanapureeswarar.
Equivalent to Gaya:
Another
legend relates to the river Phalguni flowing near the temple. A rishi
wanted to perform rituals for his ancestors. As there was no river at that
time, he thought of performing it at Gaya. Before leaving this place, he
prayed to Shiva in this temple and the Lord threw his anklet (Silambu in Tamil)
and Ganges started flowing. Hence those who are unable to proceed to Gaya for
Sraddha ceremony, perform it here. This legend is similar to the legend in
Samavedeeswarar temple in Thirumangalam.
Poovalur:
As per
the legend, the Devas sought help of Manmatha (Kamadeva) to awaken Shiva, who
was in deep meditation. They wanted Shiva to protect them by fighting the
Asuras. As they did not have guts to approach the Lord themselves, they
persuaded Manmatha to perform this task. Manmatha released flower arrows from
his bow aiming at Shiva. The flowers hit Shiva and he turned very furious. He
opened his third eye and turned Manmatha into ashes. It is believed that
Manmatha released his flower arrows from this village and hence this village is
called as Poovalur. The word "Poo" in Tamil language means the
flower.
Manmathapuram:
Manmatha's
wife Rathi worshiped Shiva in this village and got him back alive. Hence, this
village is also called as Manmathapuram.
People worshipped Lord Shiva here:
It is
believed that Brahma, Manmatha, Indra, Chandra and Agni also worshipped Lord
Shiva in this temple.
