Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Bhoodha Narayana Swamy Temple, Suruli Malai – Legends

Bhoodha Narayana Swamy Temple, Suruli Malai – Legends
Bhoodha Narayana Swamy:
Ravana performed severe penance on Lord Shiva and acquired the power of keeping all the 14 worlds, their subjects, planets and the 12 zodiac routes, 27 stars under his single command. He harassed every being. All of them reached Lord Vishnu through a mysterious path and submitted their prayers for relief from the cruelties of Ravana. Ravana found all had left. He sent Saturn to find them who only returned with an empty message.
He ordered Sage Narada to find the Devas. Narada on his way met a sage performing penance among anthills and enquired him if he knew where Devas were then. The sage told Narada the place where they were discussing with Lord Vishnu. Knowing their whereabouts, Ravana set out with his huge army to capture the Devas and others.
Lord Vishnu in a huge form covering both earth and sky combining the powers of water, earth, space, fire and air (Pancha Bhoodas) blocked the march of Ravana and his men. He was all furious spitting fire. Ravana could not stand the Bhooda Rupa of Lord and simply retreated to protect himself. Devas came to Lord Vishnu, offered him rice food with their prayers. Lord was softened. That Lord Bhoodha Narayana is protecting us from this holy land.
Equivalent to Kashi / Rameshwaram:
As the Suruli falls is the confluence of three rivers - Suruli, Venni and Kannimar, this place is considered a Triveni Sangamam (similar to Prayag in Allahabad).  Hence the local people who are unable to go to Kashi / Rameswaram for performing rites for their ancestors, perform the rituals in this place. 
Neduvel Kundram:
According to history, Kannagi of Silapathikaram fame, left the Pandya capital Madurai after furiously burning it travelled through Suruli Malai then known as Neduvel Kundram and reached Gudalur Vannathiparai. The hill had mention in the celebrated Tamil epic Silapathikaram.
Place for performing penance:
Siddhas, Sages and Devas in the celestial world chose this place for performing penance.