Sarguna Lingeswarar Temple,
Marudhanallur – Legends
Presiding Deity & Hanumantha Linga:
During his exile, Lord Rama
stayed here for some time before proceeding to Srilanka. He decided to perform
Shiva Pooja and requested Lord Hanuman to bring a Shiva Lingam from Kasi. As
there was delay in getting a Linga from Hanuman, to keep the puja time, it is
said that Sri Rama made a Linga with sand, the Prithvi Linga and completed his
Pooja. The hand impression of Lord Rama can be still seen on this lingam. The
base of the lingam is made of stone. No abhishekam is performed to this lingam
directly and it is always covered with a metal sheet (Kuvalai). After Rama
completed his prayers, Lord Hanuman bought Lingam from Kasi. The Linga brought
by Hanuman is installed in the prakaram and came to be called as Hanumantha
Linga.
Brahmapureeswarar:
Lord Brahma had worshipped Lord Shiva
in this
temple. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Brahmapureeswarar.
Sarguna Lingeswarar:
Pandyan King and his minister worshipped
Lord Shiva in this temple. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Sarguna
Lingeswarar. In remembrance, the idol of Pandiya king Sargunan and his minister
can be found in the
Temple premises.
Relief from Leprosy:
As per legend, a trader Danajaya
by name incurred leprosy as he had an intercourse with his step mother
unknowingly and was afflicted by leprosy due to his illicit relationship. He
visited this
temple and prayed to Lord Shiva for relief. Lord Shiva cured his
leprosy and blessed him. Hence, the people suffering from leprosy visit this
temple frequently for cure.