Hridayaleeswarar Temple, Thiruninravur – Legends
The
story of this temple dates back to 7th century during Pallava reign. There was
a Shiva devotee living in this place during 7th century called Poosalar.
who had a desire to build a temple for Lord Shiva at this place
unfortunately he could not find funds for the same. Poosalar finally decided to
build a temple for the Lord by himself, as he was well read and knew all the
Aagama Vidhis and nuances to build a temple, he wanted to start building the
temple in his mind.
He sat
under a tree called Iluppai and started meditating. He planned each and every
small detail to perfection for the construction of this temple in his mind
itself. He also marked an auspicious day to commence the holy work. The temple
work progressed in his mind. He built the temple step by step. He had
designed everything in his mind right from Vimana, Sanctum, Temple Pond,
Compound walls etc., and executed each in detail as per what he had in mind.
After
the temple construction work came to a finish. He even had organised all the
utensils required for the temple. Finally, he also fixed an auspicious date for
Kumbabishekam (consecration) of the temple. He prayed to Lord Shiva to be
present for the consecration and offer His blessings. During the same period, a
Pallava king called Rajasimha was ruling this part, with his capital as Kanchi
(today’s Kanchipuram). He also was a sincere devotee of Lord Shiva and was
building a huge beautiful temple for the Lord, at Kanchi.
He named
the God as Kailasanathar and the temple as Rajasimmeswaram. The king was too
proud to see the grandeur of the temple constructed by him. The king also
marked a date for consecration, while the finishing touches were going on at
the temple. Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and told him that he cannot make
it to the consecration of the king’s temple on the said date and asked him to
change the day of consecration, as he had to be present for consecration of
another temple built by Poosalar of Thiruninravur.
The king
woke up shocked. He wanted to know about the temple which God informed him of.
He immediately started with his queen, ministers to see Poosalaar’s temple
at Thiruninravur. He came to Thiruninravur the next day and enquired with many
people about a new Shiva temple built by Poosalar. Nobody knew anything about
the temple but directed the king to the place where Poosalar was meditating
under the Iluppai tree. King went and asked Poosalar himself about the temple.
Poosalar,
on hearing the king explaining about his dream, was overwhelmed to realize the
mercy shown to him by Lord Shiva. Poosalar explained to the king that he had
been constructing the temple in his heart (Manasu in Thamizh) and had fixed a
date for consecration. Poosalar made the king to look at his heart and realize
the temple which he constructed. King was able to see and realize the temple
made by Poosalar.
Knowing
this Rajasimha was amazed to see the devotion and sincerity of Poosalar. The
king himself took all the specifications of the temple which Poosalar had in
mind and physically constructed a temple for the Lord here. This temple is also
called Manakkoil. As Poosalar originally built the temple for the Lord in his
Hridayam, the Lord here is known as Hridayaleeswarar.