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Thursday, July 16, 2020

Alanduraiyar Temple, Keezha Pazhuvur – Legends

Alanduraiyar Temple, Keezha Pazhuvur – Legends
Thiru Pazhuvur:
The word Pazhu or Vata or Aalamaram in Tamil means Banyan Tree. The place would have once been a forest of banyan trees. Hence it came to be known as Pazhuvur or Alandhurai. Hence, Lord Shiva of this Temple came to be called as Vadamooleswarar / Alanduraiyar / Vadamoolanathar.
Arunthava Nayaki:
In a playful mood, Mother Parvathi covered the eyes of Lord Shiva with her hands. As the eyes of Lord Shiva are Sun and Moon, the world became dark suddenly. The activities of the world came to a standstill. All the sages and Devas were confused not knowing what to do. Lord Shiva told Parvathi that even playful acts, if caused hardship to others, was but a sin and asked her to leave him for earth and perform penance. 
Lord also assured that he would come and join her in the Yogavanam here. Mother Parvathi completed her penance, made a Linga in sand and worshipped him standing by one leg. Lord came here and took his consort. This Yogavanam is now named Kila Pazhuvur. As Mother Parvathi performed Thavam (penance) here, she is called Arunthava Nayaki.
Parasurama Tank:
The place is also considered the holy place where sage Parasurama worshipped Lord Shiva to repent for his sin of killing his own mother at the behest of his father. The tank, he created here came to be known as Parasurama tank.
Nritta Ganapathy:
It is believed that after destroying Gajamuhasuran, Ganapathy came and danced here. Hence, he came to be called as Nritta Ganapathy.
Replica of this Temple in Ariyalur:
A Shiva devotee from Ariyalur used to visit this Temple regularly. Once, he was not able to worship Lord Shiva of this Temple due to the heavy floods in Marudhai River. He was worried much standing on the banks of the River. Compassionate Lord Shiva gave darshan to him in Ariyalur itself. In remembrance to this event, the devotee built a temple in Ariyalur. The Idols of the Temple are named after this Temple.
People worshipped Lord Shiva here:
Indra, Brahma, Vishnu, Pandavas, Agasthya, Vishwanaran, Dharmapala, Chandran, Kovalan, Pururavan, Vashishta, Kashyapa, Kanva, Sadananda, Vyasa, Arunagirinathar, Thirugnanasambanthar and Vallalar worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple.