Nageswaram Udayar Temple,
Sirkazhi – Legends
Birth of Raghu & Kethu Bhagawan:
After churning the ocean of
milk, Nectar appeared. A contest arose between the Devas and Asuras, the
demons as to who should consume it. Lord Vishnu appeared before them as a
beautiful Mohini enticing everybody. In their intoxication, Asuras wanted to
have Mohini for themselves. They forgot their nectar claim also. Devas
understood that it was play by Lord Vishnu. Among the demons, one Swarbanu
managed to move to side of devas. Sun and Moon alerted Lord Vishnu by their
body language.
Lord Vishnu struck the demon
with the spoon in his hand, separated his head and body. The head fell at
Sirkazhi then known as Sirapuram and the body at Sembambinkudi (now called
Semmangudi) near Sirkazhi. Yet as the demon had consumed the nectar, his
separated body re-appeared as two serpents. The serpents began to perform
penance on Lord Shiva with air alone as their food.
Lord Shiva appeared before the
serpents and enquired about their wish. They sought a boon to rule over Sun and
Moon who were responsible for their condition and also to rule over the world.
Lord Shiva said that they cannot have their hands on Sun and Moon as they are
indispensable for the welfare of people. They can harm them for a few
hours during the eclipse times occurring on the new moon and full moon
days.
Ragu with demon head and snake
body while Ketu appeared with snake head and demon body became north and south
lunar nodes and became part of Navagrahas. Raghu Baghwan enjoys the luck of
consuming the nectar and the status of being in the group of Devas. He
also removes the evil effects on those who suffer from his position in the
respective horoscopes.
Kazhumala Nadhi:
Sirkazhi had a fertile garden
created by Indira. It became dry due to drought. Lord Vinayaka took the form of
crow and upset the Kamandala (a water bowl carried by sages) and the water
therein began to flow as river. This river called Kazhumala Nadhi is still
flowing in the north of Sirkali temple as the holy Theertha of the place.
Other Names:
Sirkazhi is also called as
Sirapuram, Brahmapuram, Venupuram, Pugali, Venguru, Thonipuram, Poontharaai,
Puravam, Sanpai, Kaalipuram, Kochaivaiyam and Kazhumalam.
