Paaleeswarar Temple, Thirupalaivanam – Legends
Some Portions of Amrutha turned into Shiva Lingam:
As per
the legend, the Devas and the Asuras were churning the milky ocean. Amrutha
(nectar) came out of that ocean. Some portion of the nectar was turned into a
Shiva Linga. It was worshiped by the Devas and then by the sages Agastya and
Markandeya. The same Shiva Linga appeared below a jack tree and gave darshan to
the Chola king Rajendra Chola I.
No Frogs in Temple Tank:
After
consuming the nectar, the Devas washed their hands in the temple tank. The
Asuras took the form of frogs to drink the nectar mixed with the water.
Realizing that, the Devas made the temple tank not liveable for frogs. It is
said that even today frogs are not found in this temple tank.
Parihara Sthalam:
Since
the temple is connected with the legend of Pradosham, Pradhosha pooja is very
special and is considered to give all wealth. It is also considered a Parihara Sthalam.
Linga with a scar on its head:
The
story behind this was, Rajendra Chozha I, stayed in this Palai Vanam with his
warriors after a war. The elephant tied to a Palai tree got fainted. On
seeing this Rajendra ordered to cut the tree. Blood oozed out from the
tree. So, he stopped cutting the tree and excavated that place and
found Shiva lingam with a scar on its head. Then he built a temple for
this Shiva Lingam.