Aavundeeswarar Temple, Nemam – Legends
Aavundeeswarar:
After
the Pralaya ended, creation of new life was supposed to happen. Lord Brahma,
the creator, started his tasks of creation of life again. While in the process
of creation it is believed that it is at Nemam that he first sprinkled the holy
nectar (Amritam). The Devas had also offered the Amritam first to Goddess of
this place, Amirthambigai. Henceforth this Kshetram came to be known as Amirtha Janma Bhoomi.
Being the place where creation started, the Goddess bestows the devotees with child boon. The Temple stood at this place had been lost to time. The Temple was covered with sand completely. Later on, the cows used to grace the land where the temple once stood. They used to shower their milk over the Lingam buried inside.
The
cowherd was astonished to see this miracle of cows showering their milk on this spot. Out of anger, he started beating his cows with a whip. Compassionate Lord Shiva rose from the ground and hugged the cows. Cowherd lashes fell on Lord Shiva. Even now, the whip marks can be seen on the Lingam. As he protected the cows, he came to be
called as Aavundeeswarar.
Amrita Shakthi:
Goddess
Amirthambigai at Nemam blesses the devotees with the amrita shakti needed for
surviving in this world and leading a good life. To get us the above 3 types of
amrita shakti, Mother Amirthambigai did severe tapas in this sacred spot and requested
the grace of Lord Aavundeeswarar. The Lord not only blessed her with this
shakti, He also married her here.