Thursday, April 2, 2020

Airavatheswarar Temple, Nemam – Legends

Airavatheswarar Temple, Nemam – Legends
Airavatheswarar:
Due to the curse of Sage Narada, Ramba, a celestial nymph, took a human form and was performing penance in this place. Indra sent his vehicle Airavata, a white elephant, to bring her back to Indraloka. Airavata failed to take her back as she was worshipping Lord Shiva of this Temple. Then, Airavata forcefully tried to abduct Ramba but failed miserably.
On seeing the situation, Lord Indra himself came and worshipped Lord Shiva. He also requested Lord Shiva to send Ramba back to the heavenly abode and also to forgive Airavata. Compassionate Lord Shiva allowed Indra to take Ramba back to Indra Loga and Airavata. Hence, Lord Shiva forgave Airavata, he came to be called as Airavatheswarar.
Two Ambals in same shrine:
The reason behind two Ambals in this Temple was during Muslim invasion, original Ambal Idol was buried. When the locals searched for Ambal Idol after the invasion, they were not able to locate. Hence, they installed a new Ambal. Later, Ambal came in the dream of the Temple priest and told him about her location. Then, locals found the idol and re-installed and named as Adhi Alangaravalli as it is the original idol.
Nandi in Pit:
Nandi in this Temple can be found in an underground pit. This Pit is about 3 feet deep. There is a belief that if there is no rainfall in the nearby area, people used to bring water from Cauvery River and perform abhishekam to Nandi. If they pray to Nandi with pure heart, the pit where Nandi is located will be filled with water and surrounding areas will get good rainfall. If the prayers are conducted for namesake, the pit will not be filled, and the surrounding areas will be devoid of rainfall during that season.
Parijatha Vanam:
The place was called as Parijatha Vanam as per Sthala Puranam.
People worshipped Lord Shiva here:
Brahma, Vritasura, Ramba, Indra and Airavata worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple.