Thagam Theerthapureeswarar Temple, Eraiyur – Legends
Thagam Theerthapureeswarar:
It is believed that after
worshiping the lord Sri Pralaya Kaleswarar at Pennaagadam, Saint
Thirugnanasambanthar stayed overnight at Maranpadi (Eraiyur). He was hungry.
The Mother Parvathy came to him and gave food. When he was eating, he got
hiccups. It is then the Lord Shiva appeared and created a pond for him to
drink. Since, Mother Parvathy gave food to him. She came to be called as
Annapoorani. Since, Lord Shiva gave water and quenched his thirst, he came to
be called as Thagam Theerthapureeswarar.
Lord Shiva of Thiruvattathurai offered Muthu Chivigai
to Sambandar:
During his stay here, Lord Shiva
of Thiruvattathurai appeared in Thirugnana Sambandar's dream and told him that
Thirugnana Sambandar does not have to walk anymore as he is just a child. In
addition, Lord Shiva told Thirugnana Sambandar that he had arranged a Muthu
Chivigai (cart carried by humans in their shoulders) decorated with pearls.
Later, Lord Shiva appeared in the dreams of a business man in Thiruvattathurai
or Thirunelvayil Arathurai and asked him to provide Thirugnana Sambandar with a Muthu Chivigai.
Next day in the morning,
Thirugnana Sambandar did not wait for the "Muthu Chivigai" to arrive.
He started his journey. A big surprise awaited on his way for him. As promised
by Lord Shiva, the business man from Thiruvattathurai sent a Muthu Chivigai for
Thirugnana Sambandar. They met Thirugnana Sambandar at a place called Koodalur.
From there on, Thirugnana Sambandar travelled to many places in Muthu Chivigai
and also sang hymns on Lord Shiva of Thiruvattathurai.
Eraiyur:
Eraiyur means God’s Village (Irai
– God & Oor – Village).