Valeeswarar Temple, Valikandapuram – Legends
Vaaleeswarar:
Vanara King Vali worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple
and hence the Lord came to be called as Vaaleeswarar and Mother came to be
called as Valambikai. Even, Koneri River flows nearby was called as Vaali Nadhi
and Vaali Theertham. It is believed that Vanara King Vaali created this City
during his rule and hence it is called as Valikandapuram.
Brahmapureeswarar:
As per Sthala Purana, Lord Brahma consecrated Shiva
Linga on the banks of Koneri River and worshipped him to get darshan of Lord
Shiva. Hence Lord Shiva is also called as Brahmapureeswarar. The Village was
called as Brahmapuri and Koneri River was called as Brahma Theertham because of
its association with Lord Brahma.
Koneri River:
Pancha Pandavas lived here during their Vanavasa by
hiding their identities and worked under Virada king who ruled this area.
During this time Dharma played dice game with the king and found that the king
was indulging in foul play so Pandavas got angry and was about to pick fight
with the King. Due to their compulsion of hiding their identities they kept
calm and took bath in the river and worshipped Lord Shiva here to get rid of
their anger. Hence the river calmed down their anger, river is called as Koneri
River. Hence Virada ruled over this area, area is called as Ladapuram.
Presently Ladapuram is located to the west of Valikandapuram.
Kandeeram:
During Sangam Age, this place was ruled by Velir king
Kandeerakko and hence it is called as Kandeeram. Later on, due to its
association with the legend of Vaali, the name of this place has been changed
to Valikandapuram.
Suthamallan Jayamkonda
Chozha Vannattudaiyan blessed with male child by praying to Lord Shiva here:
In olden days, this place was ruled by Suthamallan
Jayamkonda Chozha Vannattudaiyan. He was not having heir to rule his kingdom.
He prayed to Lord Vaaleeswarar sincerely for Child. He was blessed with male
child by the grace of Lord Shiva. He endowed this Temple with revenues from
Pugazharai Village. This incident was recorded in one of the inscriptions in
this Temple.