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:
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.