Sakthivanesvara Temple,
Thirusakthimutram – Legends
Thiru Sakthi Mutham:
As per legend, Mother Parvathi
wanted to establish the truth that bhakti (devotion) alone is the singular path
to salvation. Lord advised her to perform penance on this place. As advised, Mother
Parvathi was performing penance in the Thirusakthimutram
near the Surya Pushkarini (Shoola Theertha) on the southern side of Cauvery.
But Lord Shiva purposely delayed his darshan to Mother Parvathi. This could not
deter mother from her resolute penance standing on a single leg.
Finally, Lord Shiva granted darshan
to Mother Parvathy in the form of huge column of fire. Yet, knowing that the column
of fire was but Lord Shiva himself, Mother Parvathi embraced and kissed him.
Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Shiva Kozhundeeswarar and the place came
to be called as Thiru
Sakthi Mutham (Sakthi means Mother Parvathy and Mutham means Kiss in
Tamil). The Shiva Lingam in the sanctum has the traces of Agni (flames) in it.
Thazhuva Kuzhaintha Nathar:
As per legend, Parvathi had
installed a Shiva Lingam made of sand here. Further, she was doing penance to
seek the hands of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva caused heavy floods in the
Cauvery River. The Lingam was about to be destroyed by the floods. She embraced
the Lingam to protect it from the floods. Lord Shiva pleased by her penance,
married her. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Thazhuva Kuzhaintha Nathar.
Lord Shiva offered Muthu Pandal to Sambandar here:
As per legend, Thirugnana
Sambandar after worshipping Lord Shiva of this temple, wanted to visit the
nearby Patteeswaram
Temple. As it was peak summer and to protect his beloved devotee
from intense heat, Lord Shiva offered a tent lined with pearls (Muthu Pandal) to
Saint Thirugnana Sambanthar here. This event is celebrated in a grand scale on
the first day of Tamil month Aani ( June-July). Appar was shown the feet
of the Lord here.
Thiruvadi Deeksha of Appar:
As per legend, Appar prayed to
Lord Shiva to be blessed with Thiruvadi Deeksha (Lord Shiva feet to be placed
at devotee’s head) at this
temple. It is said that Lord Shiva advised him to visit the Nallur
Temple to receive the Thiruvadi Deeksha as requested by him.
People worshipped Lord Shiva here:
It is believed that Mother Parvathi, Gnanasambandar, Sage Agasthya, Tirunavukkarasar, Arunagiri Nathar and Ramalinga Adigal had worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple.
