Nandikeswarar Temple, Thenur –
Legends
Kamadhenur:
Once, the Linga of this Temple
was under Vagai Tree. Kamadhenu came to Earth due to a curse inflicted on her.
She worshipped the Linga sincerely and got rid of her curse. Hence, the place
came to be called as Kamadhenur. Later got shortened to Thenur.
Thenur:
Thenur means cow. As this area
was abundant with cows, the area came to be called as Thenur. There is another
reason for the name, Honey (Then) from the Tree fell on Lingam regularly. Hence
the village came to be called as Thenur.
Nandikeswarar:
It is believed that Nandi
performed penance and worshipped Lord Shiva at this place. Hence, Lord came to
be called as Nandikeswarar.
Sei Thondar Puranam:
Sekkizhar’s Periya
Puranam (Thiru Thondar Puranam) depicts the lives of the sixty-three Nayanars,
the canonical poets of Tamil Shaivism.
Similarly, Sei Thondar Puranam depicts the lives of sixty-three Murugan
devotees. It was written Thenur Varagavi Sokkalinganar. His native place is
Thenur. He left for Malaysia for fortunes in his younger age. He was afflicted
with Rheumatism (Soolai Noi) similar to Appar.
Soolai Noi did not get cured by
all the modern-day medicines. His uncle, Seeyalipillai from Thenur prayed to
the Mother of this Temple and sent the prasadam to Thenur Varagavi. Thenur
Varagavi started to consume the prasadam and he was surprised to see his disease
got cured. He got enlightenment after this incident. He spent his rest of life
for the service of god.
Thuraiyur Jamin:
It is believed that Lord Shiva
of this Temple came in the dreams of Thuraiyur Jamin and instructed him to
renovate and develop the Temple. Idols of Thuraiyur Jamin and his wife can be
found in the pillars of Maha Mandapam. Both of them are in praying posture
facing towards sanctum.