Manonmaneesar Temple, Vijayanarayanam – Legends
1008 Shiva Kshetrams:
Mother Parvathi was doing
penance on Lord Shiva for world welfare. She was having 1008 Lotus kept in her
hands and she scattered all the flowers on earth. Wherever it touches the
earth, Lord Shiva manifested in the form of Lingam and graces the devotees. These
places are praised as 1008 Shiva Kshetrams. Vijayanarayanam is one among them
and ranks 74th in the List.
Vijayanarayanam:
When Arjuna had a doubt that
whether Pandavas would win the war against Guaranas, he came here on the advice
of Sage Vyasa and worshipped Lord Vishnu of this place for Victory. As he won
the war, he came here again and built a temple for Vishnu. He also made a
settlement for 1008 Brahmanas in this Village. Since Arjuna (Vijayan) built the
Temple for Vishnu (Narayana), this place came to be known as Vijayanarayanam.
Place for Salvation:
It was believed that
Vijayanarayanam was once a forest abundant with Vilva Trees and Maruthani
Trees. There was Swayambu Linga on the banks of Poigai River inside the forest.
Sapta Rishis used to worship this Linga on Pournami Nights. Days rolled, once a
hunter came to this forest and he did not had any catch. He climbed a Vilwa
Tree and was taking rest. To pass time, he plucked Vilva leaves and threw down.
Vilva leaves fell down on the Shiva Linga as if someone was doing Pooja to the
Shiva Linga.
When he woke up in the
morning, he was surprised to see Lord Shiva with Mother Parvathi. He worshipped
them and asked Lord Shiva about the reason of darshan to him. Lord replied that
you had done Shiva Pooja on Shivarathri night without sleeping and taking food.
So, I came here to give salvation to you. Joyful hunter requested Lord to give
salvation for anyone who worship Lord Shiva on Shivarathri and Pournami days.
Lord accepted his wish. Worshipping Lord Shiva here is similar to worship Lord
in Kailash. Worshipping him Shivarathri and Pournami days will make the
devotees attain salvation.
Girivalam:
It was believed that Mother
Parvathi, Sapta Rishis and 21 Siddhars circumbulate Lord Shiva on Pournami
days. It is auspicious to worship Lord Shiva and circumbulate this Temple on
Pournami days.
Pancha Manonmaneeswaram:
The place was called as
Manonmaneeswaram. Since, Presiding Deity, Mother, Theertham, Vimanam and place
has Manonmani as prefix, the place is called as Pancha Manonmaneeswaram.
