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.