Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple, Thirumazhapadi – Legends
Vaidyanatha Swamy:
Sage Siladha, a resident of Thiruvaiyaru performed penance on Lord Shiva seeking child boon. A divine voice advised him that his wish could be realized if he conducts the Putrakameshti Yajna and he would get box with a child while tilling the land for the yagna. He was advised to bring up the child having longevity of just 16 years only. Siladha found the box and on opening it, found a child with 3 eyes, 4 shoulders and crescent moon adoring the head.
Struck by a shock, he closed the box and opened again and found a child in normal human form. He named the child Japesar. Japesar reached the age of 14 leaving just two years to complete the destined term of life. The sage was very sad. Knowing his father’s agony, Japesar started penance by standing on one leg on the Ayana Theertha tank in Thiruvaiyaru. The creatures of the tank slowly began to consume him. Japesar was not deterred by the danger.
Lord Shiva, moved by his penance, cured him completely and granted a long life. Later, Japesar was married to Suyasambikai in Thirumazhapadi. Japesar continued his penance even after the marriage and was rewarded with a position as the chief of Shiva Ganas and further elevated as the first security chief at the first gate of Kailash and was named as Nandhi Deva. As the Lord cured all the injuries of Japesar, he came to be called as Vaidyanatha Swamy.
Vajrathambeswarar:
A sage called Purush Mriga Rishi established the Lingam here. Once, Lord Brahma wanted to remove this Lingam from here and install it elsewhere. As the Lingam was strong as thunderbolt (Vajra), Brahma could not able to remove it. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Vajrathambeswarar. It is believed that the four Nandis in front of Brahma idol in Koshta thwarted Brahma’s attempts.
Vairathoonoo:
Purusha Mirugam Rishi brought the Lingam from Satyaloka and could not able to remove after worshiping. hence called as Vairathoonoo.
Thirumazhapadi:
As per legend, Lord Shiva performed cosmic dance with Mazhu (an axe like weapon) in his hand on Vaikasi Visakam for Sage Markandeya, a saint. Hence, the place came to be called as Mazhuvadi which later got corrupted to Thirumazhapadi. There is a statue of Mazhuvadeeswarar in the Ardhamandapam. He is seen with an axe in his right hand along with a spear and a rope. He is said to have saved Sage Markandeya from Yama here also.
Uttaravahini Kshetram:
Thirumazhapadi is considered as Uttaravahini Kshetram as Kollidam flows from South to North here.
Lord Chandra got relief from skin disease:
As per legend, Lord Chandra was afflicted with skin disease. He visited here and performed penance on Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared before him and instructed him to light deepas in the Navagraha pits. Chandran did as instructed and got relieved from the skin disease.
Sibi Chakravarthy got relief from his Navagraha Dosha:
Sibi Chakravarthy got relief from his Navagraha Dosha by lighting deepas in the Navagraha pits here.
Lord Shiva appeared in Sundarar’s dream:
It is believed that the deity of this place appeared in the dream of Saint Sundarar and asked him to visit this place and praise him and hence the saint came to this temple and sung peons in his famous Devaram hymns ‘Ponnar meniyane’.