Agastheeswarar Temple, Ponneri – Legends
When
Sage Agasthya was sent to the southern region to balance the level of the Earth
as Shiva Parvathi wedding took place in the Himalayas and all Devas and
Devotees gathered there. During his journey towards in the south Agasthya
Visited many holy temples and performed Pooja. At times he consecrated many
Shiva Linga in the places where there were no Shiva temples. One among such
temple is Ponneri.
Sage
Agasthya was caught with severe stomach pain. He found a Linga in this
place and worshipped the lord. Lord Shiva appeared before him and
relieved him from his pain. The sage stayed here worshipping the Lord for many
years. Therefore, the Shiva was known as Agastheeswarar. Sage Agasthya is
also known as Kumbamuni, as he once collected the whole of river Cauvery into
his holy pot (Kamandalam).
Since he
stayed here in this place for many years this place came to be known as
Kumbamuni Mangalam. It is said that Sage Agasthya installed and worshipped
about 108 Shiva Lingas in various places here and the 108th Shiva
Linga being Ashtothreeswarar (or Nootreteeswarar which means 108th Shiva)
at Chinnakkaavanam near this town Ponneri.