Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Rudhragangai – Legends
Mada
Kovil:
Kochengat
Chola was a Chola king and one of the 63 Nayanmars (Saivite saints) of Saivism. He is believed to have attained spiritual rebirth
of a spider that fought with an elephant in its previous birth over the worship
of the Hindu god Shiva. He had red eyes during birth as he remained in his
mother’s womb a little longer. His mother, looking into the babies red eyes
said Kochengkannano (in Tamil Ko=king, Cheng=red, Kan=eyes), which literally
means king with red eyes and hence he was named Kochengat Cholan. After
becoming a king, he followed Saivism and built 70 Maadakovils, temples
with elevated structure where elephants cannot reach the sanctum, in the Chola
empire. It is believed that this is one of the temple built by him.
Rudra Gangai:
Bhaskarar, Vyakarapadhar and
Patanjali performed severe penance on Lord Shiva for salvation. Patanjali attained
salvation at Chidambaram. Vyakarapadhar attained salvation at Thiruvarur. But
Bhaskarar did not attained salvation. So, he built an ashram amidst Vilva
Forest on the banks of Arasalaru River and continued his penance on Lord Shiva.
At the same time devas and sages were continuously troubled by Tarakasuran. All
the sages and Devas went to Lord Brahma and expressed their grievances.
Lord Brahma informed them that
Son of Lord Shiva would kill this Asura at right time and would save the devas
and sages in due course of time. Also, advised them to go to Lord Shiva. On
seeing them, Lord Shiva assured them that their wish will be fulfilled soon.
Goddess Parvathy was born to Imavan and was living in the earth waiting for
Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva in the form of Brahmin came to earth in order to marry
her. Since Ganga was in her head, Lord Shiva felt it might create problem in
marriage.
So, he planned to leave Ganga
in Bhaskara Ashramam till his return. Sage Bhaskara agreed to Lord Shiva plan.
Hence, Lord Shiva proceeded towards Kasi. One day, Sage Bhaskara went to river
to take bath. He forgot to take the Pooja Vessels, so he asked Ganga to bring
him the vessels and he started taking bath. Ganga came with vessel and did not
find the sage as the sage was inside the river. On seeing water, she merged
with Arasalaru and disappeared.
Sage was upset and sad over
the disappearance of Ganga. He was dumbstruck how to convey this incident to
Brahmin. At the same time Lord Shiva married Parvathi. Lord Murugan born and
slayed Tarakasuran. Lord Shiva in the form of Brahmin came back to Sage
Bhaskarar and asked him to give back Ganga. Sage Bhaskarar started crying by
hugging the Shiva Linga of his carelessness.
Lord Shiva came out from the
Linga and provided him darshan in wedding posture. He started to bless devotees
as per the request of Sage Bhaskarar. Bhaskara Muni attained salvation
here. Since Rudran’s (Lord Shiva) wife
Ganga lived in this place. Hence the place was called as Rudra Gangai.
