Dhatreeswarar Temple, Sitharkadu – Legends
Dhatreeswarar:
It was believed that Padukkai Jadamudi Siddhar and Prana Deepika Siddhar was meditating in this
place. They installed a Shiva lingam under the Amla Tree during their stay. Since the Lord was installed under the Amla tree, Lord Shiva came to be called as Dhatreeswarar.
Thirumanam:
It was also believed that Padukkai Jadamudi Siddhar and Prana Deepika Siddhar created a beautiful garden for want of flowers for the worship of Lord. The flowers from the garden gave a pleasant smell around this area. Hence, the area came to be called as Thirumanam (Holy Fragrance).
Poonkuzhali:
It is
believed that the idol of Goddess was found in a flower garden and hence she
was named as Poonkuzhali. The word 'Poo' means flower in Tamil. The Sanskrit
name of Poonkuzhali is Prasunakundalambikai.
Siddhar Kaadu:
Since
the place featured Siddhas who prayed and performed penance, the town, which
was once dense in vegetation, came to be called Siddhar Kaadu, which means
forests of the Siddhas. Later, the name became Chithukadu.
Siddhars association with this Temple:
People pray to Prana
Deepika Siddhar for the cure from life threatening ailments. Padukkai Jadamudi Siddhar, as the name itself indicates that he might be having long hair. He used his hair to be his mat and perform penance. He used to help people around the region suffering from any diseases.
On every
Pradhosham days 2 owls come to the temple. After the Utsavar is taken inside
they fly away. These 2 owls are believed to be Padukkai Jadamudi Siddhar and
Prana Deepika Siddhar.
On
Thiruvadirai Days a crow comes near the lamp and eats the ghee and fly away
without disturbing anything. People believe that a Siddhar comes to worship in
the form of a crow.
To the
left of the temple a snake appears now and then and comes around the temple but
does not harm anyone. People believe that a Siddhar comes for worship in the
form of a snake.
Some
villagers have felt Siddhars chanting Vedas on the right side of the temple.
Adi Shankara visit to this Temple:
Adi
Shankara had visited the temple and worshipped the God and Goddess and his
statue is also found inside the temple.
Veera Bhadra, as a guardian to the Siddhars:
Veerabadraswami
is said to be in meditation here and serves as the guard for the siddhars and
his idol is also worshipped with reverence.
Lord
Kubera worshipped Lord Shiva here:
Lord Kubera worshipped at the sacred shrine situated at
Sithukadu, the place of manifestation of abundance of wealth. He performed
penance for thousands of years by standing on the toe of his right foot and
worshiping with Nagalinga flowers to Dhatreeswarar. After performing Abhishekam
with the essence of Emblic Myrobalan fruit, he worshipped Lord Maha Vishnu in
Sundararaja Perumal Temple. Lord Kubera was granted the blessing to aid in the
form of immense wealth to those worshipping with great devotion at this sacred
shrine.
Sowgandhika Puram:
In the olden days, this village was in the form of a
forest with a lot of Sowgandhika flower plants. Hence, it was called as Sowgandhika
Puram.
Etymology:
It is believed that the village was originally called as
Tirumandram or Harisaranalaya Nallur. Tirumandram has become Tirumanam
nowadays.
Marriage Parihara Sthalam:
This temple is also famous for Wedding worship. It is strongly
believed that by doing special Abishekam and pooja for the Goddess and the Lord
would remove all the obstacles in the marriage. People who are seeking early
marriage are advised to do Abishekam to Lord with Gooseberry Powder, juice and
seeds, offer green vastras and Bangles to Goddess and light Ghee Lamps.
