Sundararaja Perumal Temple, Sitharkadu – Legends
Lord Vishnu along with his consort Lakshmi gave darshan
to Lord Brahma:
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. Lord Brahma liked
this beautiful forest much and started his penance towards Vishnu in this site.
Vishnu along with his consort Lakshmi gave darshan to Brahma. Brahma became
excited and called them as Sundararaja and Sundaravalli as they appeared to him
extremely beautiful. (The word 'Sundara' means beautiful).
Etymology:
It is
believed that the village was originally called as Tirumandram or
Harisaranalaya Nallur. Tirumandram has become Tirumanam nowadays.
Tirumazhisai Alwar:
It is believed
to be the site where Tirumazhisai Alwar performed penance towards Lord Vishnu.
Garudakkodi Siddhar:
The
sculpture of Garudakkodi Siddhar found in a pillar in the mandapam of
Andal shrine. It is believed that this Siddha lived in this village and was a
great devotee of Garuda. It is believed that a prayer to this Garudakkodi Siddhar
will cure all eye related problems. There are instances of complete cure for
even chronic diseases without operation/surgery.
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.