Keerthivageeswarar Temple, Soolamangalam – Legends
Keerthivageeswarar:
As per Sthala Puranam, Shiva defeated Gajasuran in this
place and used the Elephant Skin as his dress. Hence, Lord Shiva of
this Temple got the name Keerthivasan or Keerthivageeswaran. The
Lord, is a Swayambumurthy, is always covered with a Kavacham perhaps to signify
the Elephant skin episode.
Astra
Deva worshipped Lord Shiva here:
Lord Astra Deva, the weapon maker for the
deities. He prayed to the Lord here and got lot of benefits.
Trisula
Darshan:
The Sapthamadha Kaumari (This Matha Roopam represents
the powers of Subramanya or Kumara. Hence, she holds the spear in her
hand) along with Parasakthi, visit this temple on the third day (Tritiya) of
Navarathri and worship the Lord. Here they had the Trisula Darshnam
of the Lord. The name of this place could be on account of this
visit. This is also borne out by the fact that there is an idol of a lady
with Soolam above her head near the entrance.
Lord
Vishnu won the war against demon Kalanemi:
Thai Amavasya (Jan-Feb) is observed as a special day in
this temple. Vishnu worshipped Shiva on that day and won the war
against the demon Kalanemi.
Brahma
got relief from stomach pain by praying to Lord Shiva here:
Brahma got relief from severe stomach pain by praying on
that day. Soola Vratham is observed on that day and those who
worship the Lord are relieved of enmities, poverty and illness.
Mother
appeared as adolescent girl to the Nadha Sharma couple:
Ambal appeared as an adolescent girl to the Nadha Sharma
couple in this temple.
