Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Uchinathar Temple, Sivapuri, Chidambaram – Legends

Uchinathar Temple, Sivapuri, Chidambaram – Legends
Lord Shiva offered food for Sambandar and his family:
As per another legend, saint poet Sambandar, who was born in Sirkali, was fed by Parvathi with divine milk. The child grew up and visited various temples and sung praised of god. At the age of twelve, his marriage was arranged to be held at Achalpuram. The marriage party visited the place on the way to Achalpuram. The party was hungry and on account of divine intervention, food was offered. Sambandar started praising Shiva as Uchinathar (Madhyaneswarar in Sanskrit).
Lord Shiva darshan to Sage Agasthya:
As per Hindu legend, Shiva and Parvathi appeared to sage Agasthya at this place (the same legend is attributed to several Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu).
Tirunelvayil:
The historical name of this place is Tirunelvayil.  “Thiru” a respectful prefix, “Nel Vayil” means “sprawling paddy fields at the entrance of the village”. However, now this place is called as “Sivapuri”.
People worshipped Lord Shiva here:
It is also believed that sage Agasthiyar and Kanva Maharishi have worshiped the lord of this temple.