Singeeswarar Temple, Mappedu – Legends

Singeeswarar Temple, Mappedu – Legends

Singeeswarar:

Lord Shiva danced in Thiruvalangadu site; Singi, one of eight Nandhis, played mridangam; he was so devoted that he closed his eyes and missed the divine dance. He requested the Lord to dance again so that he could watch the same. Shiva fulfilled his wish in Mappedu site. As Singi got darshan of Lord Shiva's dance in this place, Shiva is called as Singeeswarar and the place is called as Singeeswaram.

Idol of Hanuman playing veena:

Hanuman played Amrutavarshini Raaga using his veena in this site which turned the dry land into fertile land. Hanuman idol playing veena is found in this temple.

Lord Maha Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva here:

Lord Maha Vishnu also worshipped here after taking the Mohini Avatharam. Accordingly, Mahavishnu Sannidhi is in the Goshta or behind the Main Temple. Usually Lingodhbava Sannidhi is seen behind in temples.

Veerapaleeswarar:

Veerapaleeswarar Linga is related to the Bikshadana Avathara of Lord Shiva. In Dharukavana, rishis were haughty about the powers they had gained by performing rituals. Lord Shiva wanted to teach the egoistic rishis a lesson. Shiva took the form of a Young, Handsome Bikshadana, Mahavishnu took the form of Mohini and went to Dharukavana. The wives of the rishis were infatuated with the Handsome form of Lord Shiva and went towards him ignoring the fact that they were wives of rishis.

The Angered Rishis performed the Abhichara Yagam which produced bad effects. They directed the snakes, demon, tiger, fire, and drum that came out of the fire against Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva converted the items from Fire as Ornaments. The rishis realized their stupidity and surrendered to the Lord. This Unique Veerapaleeswarar Shiva Roopa is in Mappedu temple. Hence Veerapaleeswarar form of Lord Shiva blesses one to have Vamsa Vrithi or Childbirth and fertility problems if any are sorted out.

Sudabudha Maharishi performed penance on Dhakshinamoorthy:

Sudabudha Maharishi did penance here and was blessed with the Darshan of Lord Dhakshinamoorthy. Accordingly, there is a unique Sannidhi of Dakshinamurthy under the Raja Gopuram/Main Entrance of Temple. Usually the Dhakshinamoorthy is seen in the Prakaram or surroundings of temple.