Puradhana Vaneswarar Temple, Thiruchitrambalam
– Legends
According to popular legend, Lord
Shiva wanted to emphasize that a living in forests for some time also is part
of an ideal life. With his consort, he came to this place along with sages and
Devas to this forest region. Lord Shiva went into deep meditation. The demons,
taking advantage of the absence of Lord’s other activities, gathered their
strength and became resurgent to trouble the rishis and innocent people. They
could be controlled only if Lord opened his eyes.
All the celestial beings feared
to woke him up from his deep meditation because of Lord Shiva wrath. Mother Parvathi
suggested that Manmatha (cupid) may be asked to send his Passion Arrows (cupid
is the power to create love and passion on all beings). Though Cupid was afraid
to accept the test against Lord Shiva, for the sake of the world, he obliged by
shooting his Passion Arrows on the Lord. As these arrows are made of Flowers,
which the cupid used, the place came to be known as Poovanam (Forest of Flowers).
Opening his eyes, Lord Shiva
turned his look at the direction from where the arrows were shot. Unable to
bear the heat emanating from the eyes of Lord, cupid was burnt. This place is
called Madanpattavur (place where cupid was burnt). All the Rishis fell at the
feet of the Lord and told him why and how this happened and begged him for
cupid’s life. Milk was spilled to give cupid his life back. This place is
called Palatheli (where milk was sprayed on cupid). Representing this episode,
people of this place celebrate Cupid Festival – Kaman Pandigai in a place known
as Kamankottal.