Paabhahareeswarar Temple, Tharatchi – Legends
A
devotee, Govindan by name was lucky to get a small Bana Linga of palm size when
he was bathing in the Holy Ganga in one fine morning in Kasi-Varanasi. His joy
knew no bounds, he danced, embraced it on the chest holding by both
palms-Ullangai in Tamil - kept it on his head with all ecstasy in mind. He
brought it to this temple. As he brought a palm size Linga – Ullangai Linga -
he was praised as Ullangai Lingam Konarndha Nayanar – Nayanar bringing this
palm size Linga.
It is
noteworthy that this devotee was a cousin brother of Udayavar Sri Ramanuja of
Sri Vaishnava philosophy. He came to the Saivite camp then. It is also said
that Nayanar worshipped this Linga while he was in Kalahasti temple. After
placing the Linga in the temple, Govindan returned to Vaishnavism and became
the disciple of Acharya Sri Ramanuja.
Govindan
was also awarded the Embar title by the Acharya and taught the Vaishnava
Mantras. As directed by Acharya Ramanuja, Chandragiri king Kattithevan
Yadavarayan built this beautiful Shiva temple for Embar Govindan. With a desire
that this Shiva temple should be equal and famous as the Thillai Chidambaram
Nataraja temple, the king lavishly donated lands to the temple for its
maintenance, daily pujas etc. as per Agama rules.
The
temple is located on the banks of Arani River considered equal to the holy
Ganga and the place to Kasi-Varanasi. It is the staunch belief of the devotees
that a dip in the river and worship of Lord would totally cleanse them of their
sins and doshas, hence, Lord is praised as Papa Hareswarar – Lord who relieves
devotees from sins. A small Bana Linga brought from Kasi also adores the
sanctum sanctorum with presiding deity.