Abathsahayeswarar Temple,
Thukkachi – Legends
Annihilation of Mahishasura:
Demon Mahishasura waged war
against the Devas, as the Devas and Asuras were perpetually in conflict.
Mahishasura had gained the boon that no man could kill him. In the battles
between the gods and the demons, the Devas led by Indra were
defeated by Mahishasura. Dejected by their defeat, the Devas assemble in the
mountains where their combined divine energies coalesce into goddess Durga. The new
born Durga led a battle against Mahishasura, riding a lion. Mahishasura was
wounded but drops of blood falling on the ground created innumerable other
Mahishasura.
Confused Mother Durga asked for
Kali’s help. At this point, the Goddess Kali joined
the battle, who stretched her tongue over the earth and licked up each drop of
blood pouring from Mahishasura's body. Kali devoured his duplicates into her
gaping mouth. Ultimately, Mahishasura was annihilated by Durga by decapitating
his head. Thereafter she is named Mahisasuramardini, meaning "the killer
of Mahishasura".
According to popular folklore,
after killing Mahishasura and most of his entire army, Goddess Kali went on
fury to kill all creatures. Shocked Durga prayed to Lord Shiva for solution. Lord
Shiva instructed Durga to install a Shiva Linga in Pathiri Vanam on the
northern banks of Arasalaru River and perform penance on him. On account of her
intense penance, Kali regained her conscious and returned back to her normal
form. There is a separate shrine for Durga in this Temple in memory of this
incident. People who worship her in Rahu Kala will be freed from all obstacles
and problems.
Vikrama Chola got cured of Ven Kushtam here:
Legend says that Vikrama
Chola, one of the famous medieval Chola King, suffered
from vitiligo and
visited many temples to pray for respite from the disease. Lord
Abathsahayeswarar (Shiva) visited him in his dream when he was camping near
Thukkachi and asked him to worship him for 48 days. The king was completely
cured in due course and subsequently ordered the expansion of the temple.
Thukkachi:
The name Thukkachi derives from
Durgai Achi meaning Mother Durga (or possibly, Durgai Aatchi, meaning the Rule
of Durga).
Pathiri Vanam:
This place was once called
"Pathiri Vanam" as it had many Pathiri trees. It is believed
that Lord Shiva and Parvathi Devi were worshipped by many Rishis here under the
Pathiri Tree. One such tree under which Shivalinga & Parvathi are installed
can be seen in the Prakaram. Locals conduct poojas here once their desires are
fulfilled.