Velleeswarar Temple, Mangadu – Legends
The
history of Velleeswarar is but part of the history of Mangadu Kamakshi temple.
Mother Parvathi had to land on Earth due to the curse of Lord Shiva as she
covered his eyes in playful mood resulting in a standstill of the activities of
the world. She came to this place, stood on one leg amidst five types of fire,
seeking the grace of Lord to take her back. It was at the same time, planet
Venus-Shukra too performed penance on Lord Shiva in this place to have his eye
back which he lost for blocking the charity offered by Mahabali – 3 feet land –
to Lord Vishnu.
Lord
Vishnu then covered all the worlds in 2 feet and the for the third, Mahabali
offered his own head to honour his promise to Lord. When Lord Shiva came to grace
Mother Parvathi, He granted his first blessing to Shukra the devotee,
establishing the rule that priority goes for devotees than for his own consort.
As Shukra was then performing Shiva Puja, Lord could not leave the place to
bless Mother Kamakshi. He advised her by a voice to go to Kancheepuram to
continue the penance. Ambica followed Lord’s advice, continued penance at Kanchi
and joined her Lord.
Lord
granting darshan and eye to Shukra-Velli, stayed in the place as per Shukra
wish. As Sukra worshipped Lord Shiva here, the Lord came to be known as Sri Velleeswarar and also as Sri Bargaveeswarar. This temple is Sukra Sthalam among
the Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam). Sri Sukra blesses people
with wealth, prosperity, good family, vehicles, fame and social status. Special
poojas are hence offered by devotees on Fridays - the day dedicated to Venus.
Devotees offer white field beans (Mochai) as a special offering signifying the
cereal in relation to Sri Sukra.