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.