Agastheeshwarar Temple, Pozhichalur – Legends
Vada Thirunallaru:
Lord
Shani (Saturn)has different phases like Kanda Sani, Janma Sani, Ezharai Sani.
Sri Sani Bhagavan is said to have been relieved of his sins by performing penance
to Lord Shiva. As directed by Lord Shiva he visited this village and created a
holy pond called “Nallar Sani Theertham” and worshipped Lord Shiva and was
cleansed of his sins. Hence, Sri Sani Bhagavan here is believed to be Mangala
Saneeswarar with no Doshams or ill effects. Hence, he is seen in this temple as
the prime God (only next to Thirunallar).
In the
north Tamil Nadu this is the only temple dedicated to Lord Sani where devotees
throng in large numbers to get relief from the impact of Sani. In this temple, when
offerings of food are made, crows (that are believed to be the vehicle of Lord
Shani) come in large numbers to eat the food offered. During this time,
devotees gather in large numbers and feed the crows to get themselves relieved
of their sins. Due to this reputation, this place is called as Vada
Thirunallaru.
Agastheeshwarar:
As per
the legend, as all the celestial beings went to Himalayas to attend the divine
marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the earth lost its balance. To balance the earth,
Shiva asked the sage Agastya to travel towards the southern direction. Due to
greatness of this sage, he was equivalent to all the celestial beings and as
soon as he moved to the southern direction, the earth was balanced back. Agastya
did not want to miss the wedding. With the help of Lord Shiva, he got the
divine sight and watched the divine marriage in many sites in South India. Pozhichalur
is one such site where he got the darshan of divine marriage. Shiva Linga was
also installed by him and hence it is called as Agastheeshwarar.
Origin of Shivalingam:
It is
said that the Shivalingam was unearthed when the Mudaliars who owned these
lands were ploughing their fields.
Naadi Parihara Sthalam:
This
temple is mentioned in Nadi Jodhidam for Pariharams and hence it is popularly
known as Naadi Parihara Sthalam.