Sara Parameswarar Temple,
Thirucherai – Legends
Surya
Pooja:
Lord Surya (Sun) worshipped Lord Shiva in several places
offering his apologies to Lord Shiva for participating in the Yagna of Daksha
against his wish. Thirucherai
is considered one among them. Symbolizing this, the rays of Sun falls on the
presiding deity Lord Sara Parameswarar and on the feet of the Mother during the
morning hours on 13th, 14th and 15th of Masi
month (February-March). Surya Pooja is performed on these days. Special pujas
are performed in the
temple during the whole Masi month in the morning hours.
Sara
Parameswarar:
This
holy place has the highest qualities (Saram) one would
expect in any place. Hence, this place came to be called as Thiru Saram which
over a period of time became Thiru Cheram and now Thirucherai.
Thus, Lord Shiva came to be called as Sara Parameswarar / Senneri Appar (one
who leads in the righteous way).
Rina
Vimochana Lingeswarar / Kadan Nivartheeswarar:
It is believed that Sage Markandeya installed a Shiva
Linga in this
temple. He worshipped the Linga to clear his debts he had accumulated
in his previous birth. Lord Shiva cleared his debts as he wished. Hence, Lord
Shiva came to be called as Rina Vimochana Lingeswarar / Kadan Nivartheeswarar.
It is believed that sage Markandeya also attained salvation here.
Mukthi
Sthalam of Dhaumya Rishi:
It is believed that Dhaumya Rishi, Guru of Kunti Devi
and also the one who gave the idea for the Pandavas to escape from the burning
lac palace, worshipped Lord Shiva here and attained salvation here.
People
worshipped Lord Shiva here:
It is believed that Lord Suryan, Dhaumya Rishi, Sage Markandeya, Appar, Sambandar and River Cauvery had worshipped Lord Shiva here.