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Friday, October 19, 2018

Manonmaneesar Temple, Vijayanarayanam – Legends

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.