Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple – Legends
Lord Shiva and Mother in worshipping Posture in Sanctum:
Lord
Shiva wedded Mother Meenakshi, daughter of Malayadwaja Pandya. He took charge
as the king of Madurai then. As a rule, Shiva Puja should be performed before
assuming any responsible and high positions. Hence, He installed a Linga
and performed the puja. Based on this event, Lord Siva and Shakthi made a
Linga and worshipped in this place, so we see Lord Shiva and Shakthi sculpture
at the back of the Lingam in the form of worshipping, which is rare to see. Interestingly,
when the coronation festival is celebrated in Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple, the
Lord and Mother visit Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple first.
They are
placed facing the sanctum sanctorum and pujas and Deepa Aaradhana are offered
to the Lord Meenakshi Sundareswarar and Mother Meenakshi concurrently. It is
believed that Lord Shiva himself is performing this puja. Though generally it
is believed that reliefs for the sins committed in this birth will come only in
following births, it is granted in this birth itself by Lord Immayilum Nanmai
Tharuvar.
Tiruvilayadal Puranam:
According
to Lord Shiva’s “Tiruvilayadal Puranam” this is the place where Shiva played
the role as a bangle merchant.
People worshipped Lord Shiva here:
Brahma,
Thirumal, Sakthi and Devas worshipped Lord Siva of this place.