Agastheeswarar Temple, Villivakkam – Legends
Agasthya connection with this Temple:
There
are many Shiva Temples called as Agastheeswarar Temple in and around Chennai.
Most of those temples have legends related to vision Shiva's divine marriage
and the sage's travel towards the southern direction. However, this temple of Agastheeswarar
has a different legend. There were two Asura brothers namely Villavan and
Vatapi who were troubling the sages. Agastya killed both of them. As
one of those Asuras namely Villavan was killed in this site, this locality
obtained the name Villavanpakkam, which later became Villivakkam. The sage was
affected by Brahmahatya after killing the Asura. He installed Shiva Linga in
this site and performed poojas to him to get rid of his sin.
As the
sage Agastya worshiped Shiva in this temple, Shiva is called as Agastheeswarar.
Lord Shiva ordered Veerabhadra to help Agastya by ensuring no one
disturbed his pooja. Bhadra also relieved the sage from Brahmahatya. It should
be noted that there is a big shrine for Bhadra outside the temple complex. Later,
Lord Shiva appeared to the sage. Uma, who was found along with Shiva, was
wearing golden ornaments. Hence, she is called as Swarnambikai (Swarna means
gold). This Sthalam is one of the 108 Sakthi Sthalam.
Konnur:
According
to legend, two demons, Villavan and Vatapi, who were born to Sage Dhruva and
Aswamukhi, tortured the entire world and killed many innocent people. One of
the demons used to take the shape of a fruit and the other used to offer it to
some innocent passerby and after he consumed it, the demon would come out by
tearing his stomach. One day, the brothers tried the same trick with Agasthya.
Agasthya
consumed the fruit and simply rubbed his stomach saying Vathapi Jeer No bhava;
literally may Vathapi be digested, while the other demon tries to bring his
brother to life, but in vain. Maharishi Agastya plainly informed the demon that
his brother has been digested and could no longer be brought back to life, and
eventually bringing their treachery to end. It was here that the slaying of the
demons took place and as a result the place came to be known
as Konnur in times of yore.
Villivakkam:
It got
the name of Villivakkam much later which has its own bearing - that Sage
Agasthya planted a Vilvam plant (which has
got medicinal and spiritual healing power) and hence the name. The Shiva temple
in Villivakkam has a very old Vilvam tree which the priests consider sacred and
use its leaves for the daily puja.
Vilvavanam:
The
place was earlier called Vilvavanam (forest of Vilvam trees) and later came to
be known as Villivakkam.
Angaraka Theertham:
One of
the Navagrahas Angaraka (Mars – Tuesday) was afflicted with the curse, in order
to get rid of the terrible consequences; he arrived on this sacred place and
created a pond Angaraka Theertham. He underwent severe austerities
and worshipped Lord Shiva to clear off his Dosham. So, taking a bath in the
temple tank on a Tuesday is considered very sacred.