Thirukkarai Easwarar Temple,
Peranamallur – Legends
Kochengata Chola, builder of this Temple:
During the journey to Pazhayarai
the Chola King Kochengat Chozhan stayed here. He in his early Janma was a
spider. By the blessings of Lord Shiva, he was born as a man in Chola lineage.
He became a King and a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. He built many temples and
this temple is one of them. This temple was built by him is evidenced from the spider
and elephant symbols on a pillar. He made this place the capital for many
villages in that area.
Once upon a time, there was a
river called Panaiyaar flew in this area. Panaiyaar is got the name since
plenty of Panai trees there on the banks of this river. The Chola king Kocengannan
built this temple on the banks of the Panaiyaar. As the temple is on a river
Karai (bank) and also as the destination for a devotee to reach the shores of salvation,
Lord Shiva is named as Thirukkarai Easwarar bearing this meaning.
Perani Mallur:
The name of the place derives
from the story that two kings fought against the other in this
place. Since war happened between two groups of soldiers at this place,
this town got name as "Perani Mallur" then it became "Perani-Nallur"
and now it called as Pernamallur.
The name due to the presence of Dam:
Some believe that the name
Peranamallur got derived from the Dam built across Panaiyaar River.