Kalyana Vigirtheeswarar Temple, Venjamangudalur – Legends
Venjamangudalur:
The name
of the village originated from Venjan, a hunter (some call him a demon king),
who worshipped Lord Siva here fervently at this place and attained ‘Mukti.’ As
the two rivers – Kudaganaaru and Manimutharu meet
here, the place is named Koodal Oor – confluence. Hence the place is called as Venjamangudalur.
Thambiran Thozhar:
Saint
Sundarar came to this place on a pilgrimage. By that time, he had spent
all the money (gold in those days) and asked Lord Shiva to give him gold. Lord
said that he had nothing with him to help Sundarar. Saint Sundarar said
that the Lord cannot be without money and pressed his demand. Lord said
that he would have to pledge something to give money to Sundarar. The
saint simply said that he did not care about his problem and stuck to the
demand. Lord Shiva made Mother Parvathi an old lady.
When she
came, Lord gave Vinayaka and Muruga to her and asked cash and fulfilled
Sundarar’s need. The story emphasizes that how Lord was kind to his friend
devotee (Thambiran Thozhar in Tamil) and set a model for good friendship. It is
common belief that praying in this temple will perpetuate relationships
Devotees will be blessed with good friends.
Indra got darshan of Lord Shiva:
Indira,
king of Devas developed a desire on Akalika, wife of Maharshi Gautama. He
entered into his hermitage in the guise of a cock and cried. Cock cry indicates
the dawn. Innocent Maharshi left the hermitage for the river to have his
morning bath. Indira entered into the hermitage as Rishi. Agalya thought
the entrant was her own husband. Meantime, the sage, finding that there was
more time for the dawn and returned home sensing some mischief.
Seeing
the Rishi, Indira, tried to escape in the guise of cat. But he was cursed to
have eyes in his whole body. Indira began to visit the Shiva Temples seeking
relief from the curse. Lord Shiva said that his curse would disappear at
an appropriate time. Indira begged the Lord that he should grace his
darshan to all from this place. Lord Shiva appeared here as Swayambu
Linga.
Vigirtheeswarar:
The main
deity, Vigirtheeswarar is named after Vikra, the Chera King, who is said to
have built this temple.
