Kolanjiappar Temple, Manavalanallur – Legends
Kolanji
Appar:
As per Hindu legend, Sundarar,
the famous Nayanmar saint in Saivite
tradition belonging to the 8th century, came to Virudhachalam
(called Tirumudukundram) during his old age. He sang praise of Lord Vriddhagiriswarar.
Lord Shiva was much pleased with his rendition and wanted to have him sing a
song again. He sent his son Muruga in the form of a hunter to the
Kolanji forest through which Sundarar was traversing. The hunter took away the
belongings of Sundarar. He demanded the hunter to return his belongings for which
the hunter wanted him to be back at Virudhachalam.
Understanding that it is a divine play, Sundarar
returned to Virudhachalam temple and sang praise of Shiva
again. Vrida means old age and hence the place was called
Virudhachalam as Sundarar came to the place during his old age. Lord Muruga
subsequently set his abode in the Kolanji forest as Kolanjiappar. Lord Murugan
is gracing the devotees in the shape of Peedam. This is a formless form and is
unique representation of Lord Muruga.
Later, the
abode got lost and hidden among the Kolanji forests. Around 200 years
ago, villagers found that one of their cows pour its milk in the Kolanji forest
and returns silently, every day. The villagers went to the forest and cleared
the place. The villagers found a small stone altar on which Lord Skantha
resolved to embody himself for the benefit of people. Then, the villagers built
a temple
for Lord Murugan.
Jeeva
Samadhi of Siddhars:
Agappai Siddhar, guru of Pampatti Siddhar attained Samadhi
in this
holy place. Also, it is considered as one of the 12
places where Korakka Siddhar attained his Samadhi.
Manavalanallur:
The Village is called as Manavalanallur
because Lord Skantha, the Manavalan (Eternal Bridegroom) has embodied himself
here.