Sankaranar Temple, Parthibanur – Legends
Sankaranar:
The name Sankaranar appears to
have been derived from a debate between Lord Shiva and Poet Nakkeerar in
Madurai over a verse authored by Lord. When the debate reached a heated stage
on community identity, Nakkeerar said that he belonged to a community engaged
in cutting conches and that the Lord had no claim attaching him to one such.
Those were the days when community identity was a mark of respect.
The poet addressed the Lord
Sankaranar, hence the name of the Lord here. Furious Shiva cast a look on the
poet reducing him to ashes. At the request of the king and other poets, Lord
looked at Nakkeerar mercifully and restored him to life. The poet too realized
that he was arguing with Lord himself and sought his Pardon.
Parthibanur:
As peace efforts between the
Pandavas and Kauravas failed, war between the parties became unavoidable. Both
sides had great and reputed heroes and commanders known for their skill in the
war craft. Sage Vyasa advised Arjuna that he could win only if he got the
Pasupatha missile from Lord Shiva to defeat Dronacharya, a dreaded archer on
the other side. Arjuna set out on a penance on Lord Shiva.
Knowing this, Duryodhana sent
a demon Mookasura to kill Arjuna. The demon came to the spot of penance in the
guise of a wild pig. Arjuna shot an arrow at the animal. Meantime, Lord Shiva
who came there as a hunter to bless the Pandava also shot an arrow on the demon
pig. Both arrows were shot at the animal simultaneously.
Arjuna and the hunter (Shiva)
fought among themselves to claim the animal. After a short encounter, Lord
Shiva smilingly showed Arjuna who he was. Arjuna fell at the feet of the Lord
and begged his pardon. Lord Shiva blessed him with the Pasupatha missile that
decided the war in favour of the Pandavas.
Arjuna then travelled to many
places worshipping Lord Shiva. He found a Swayambulinga here and worshipped. As
Arjuna also known as Parthan worshipped here, the place was named Parthanur which
later changed as Parthibanur. A devotee later built this temple as directed by
the Lord in his dream.