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Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Ponnur – Legends

Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Ponnur – Legends

Ratheeswarar:

Demon Taraka was harassing the devas with the boon he obtained from Lord Brahma. Devas fell at the feet of Lord Shiva for protection. As Lord Shiva was in deep meditation, they could not wake him up. So, they engaged cupid (Manmatha), the authority to trigger passion in the mind of anyone, to shoot the arrow of flowers on Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva got fury of the disturbance caused by Manmatha. He opened his third eye on Manmatha which reduced Manmatha to ashes.

His wife Rathi begged Lord Shiva in restoring his husband life. Lord Shiva said that she would get him back at an appropriate time. Rathi performed severe penance on Lord Shiva. Manmatha was restored back to life by Lord Shiva at this place. The couples jointly worshipped Lord Shiva here. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Ratheeswarar.

Abathsahayeswarar:

Harishchandra is a legendary Indian king of the Ikshvaku dynasty. It is said that Harishchandra was a truthful man, who never lied in his life and is therefore also called Satyavadi (one who always speaks truth). He gave away his kingdom, sold his family and agreed to be a slave to fulfill a promise he had made to the sage Vishwamitra. He was facing hardships and to get relief from his problems, he visited several Shiva Temples. He visited this temple during his pilgrimage and worshipped Lord Shiva here. It is said that Lord Shiva blessed him and helped him to overcome from his hardships. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Abathsahayeswarar (Lord Shiva who comes to rescue when one faces hardships). 

Agneeswarar:

As per legend, Lord Veerabhadra punished Agni for participating in Daksha Yagna. Agni visited several Shiva Temples to get relief from the sin of participating in Daksha Yagna. He came to Anniyur and created a Theertham called Agni Theertham. He took bath in the Theertham and worshipped Lord Shiva. It is said that Lord Shiva appeared before Agni under the Sthala Vriksham (Lemon Tree). Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Agneeswarar / Vighusaranyeswarar

Banu, a Brahmin got cure from leprosy here:

As per legend, Banu, a brahmin was afflicted with leprosy disease. He came to this temple, took bath in the Temple Theertham and worshipped Lord Shiva for cure. It is believed that he got cure from his illness by the grace of Lord Shiva.

Pandathaveswarar:

As per legend, Varuna, the god of rain and the Pandavas visited this Temple and worshiped Lord Shiva here. As Pandavas worshiped Lord Shiva here, Lord Shiva came to be called as Pandathaveswarar.

Lord Surya got relief from the curse of Rati here:

As per legend, Lord Surya was cursed by Rati, wife of Manmatha. Lord Surya visited this temple and worshipped Lord Shiva to get relief from the curse of Rati.

People worshipped Lord Shiva here:

Varuna, King Harichandra, Agni, Surya, Rathi, Manmadha, Pandavas had worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple.