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Monday, February 24, 2020

Sevvantheeswarar Temple, Seerapalli – Legends

Sevvantheeswarar Temple, Seerapalli – Legends
Sevvantheeswarar:
Once, this place was a dense forest abundant with Kundali shrubs and rarely visited by villagers except a few cow herders. One day, a cow herd noticed a strange phenomenon that a cow from his herd shed all its milk in a particular spot. He also found that the cow was doing the same in following days. Frightened cowherd informed the villagers about this incident.
Villagers out of curiosity, started clearing off the bushes to find the reason behind the strange behaviour of the cow. While digging the place with axe and sickle, sickle hit some strange object and blood started oozing out from the place. Villagers discovered a Swayambhu Lingam in that place. Villagers named the Lingam as Sevvantheeswarar as it was red colored due to the oozing of the blood.
Lord Shiva helped a lady to deliver her child:
Once, a man was travelling with his pregnant wife in the region. Suddenly, his wife went into labor pain. Helpless couple prayed to Lord Shiva and cried for help. Lord Shiva in disguise as a woman helped the lady to deliver the child safely.
Similarities with Thayumanavar Temple, Trichy:
Presiding Deity of Thayumanavar Temple is also called as Mathru Bhoodheshwarar / Sevvantheeswarar similar to the presiding deity of this Temple. Mothers in both the temples is called as Kunthalambigai / Matuvar Kuzhal Ammai. The name Seerapalli also reminds a connection of this place with Trichy.
Temple Control:
The Temple was looked after by Goundar Community. There is a story behind their control of this Temple. In olden days, the temple was surrounded by Agraharam, a brahmin settlement. A cow died in the Agraharam area, as brahmins cannot touch the carcass of cow due to religious rules. Hence, brahmins approached the local Goundars for help in removing the carcass of the cow.
Local Goundars accepted to remove on a condition that the temple should be handed over to them. As the brahmins had no choice, they agreed to the condition and also gave up the rights of temple lands and temple management to the local Goundars. As times passed, all the brahmin families left this village. Now this village is devoid of Brahmins. The Temple has been looked after by Goundars only. Few Brahmin families visit this Temple occasionally.