Thillai Kali Temple,
Chidambaram – Legends
Brahma
Chamundeshwari:
Once, Lord Shiva and Mother Kali entered into a dancing
contest in front of Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma and other deities in Thillai
Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram. While they were playing dance, Lord Siva was about to be
defeated. Sensing his defeat, Lord Shiva played his furious Oordhuva Tandava
i.e. raising one leg above his head. This Oordhuva Tandava is one of the
postures in the dance. It could not be played by the women folk due to their
modesty and shyness. Bound in feminine traits, Kali could not play this posture
and agreed her defeat.
She had to go outside the borders of the town in order
to contain her haughtiness. She was furious of her defeat. This anger was
pacified by Brahma by Chanting Veda and also praised Kali as Veda Nayagi. Lord
Brahma begged her to calm down with four faces representing the four Vedas.
Kali responded to Brahma’s prayer and granted darshan to him as Brahma
Chamundeshwari. An idol is made in this form separately and installed in the
temple.
Sage
Vishwamitra Yagna for the benefit of Lord Rama and Lakshmana:
Thadaki, a demoness, created hurdles to a Yagna
conducted by Sage Vishwamitra. Sage Vishwamitra requested Lord Rama to help him
in conducting the Yagna. Lord Rama and Lakshmana killed the demoness and helped
Sage Vishwamitra to conclude the Yagna. However, Lord Rama and Lakshmana was
afflicted with Dosha of killing a woman. To alleviate their sins, Sage
Vishwamitra planned to conduct another Yagna for the benefit of Lord Rama and
Lakshmana. He installed the idol of kali in this
Temple for the purpose of the Yaga and performed the Yaga
successfully.
Vada
Bhadra Kali:
After slaying Hiranya, Lord Narasimha anger was not
subsidized, and he planned to swallow the earth. On seeing his uncontrolled
anger, Lord Shiva took the form of Sarabamoorthy to control Narasimha. To gain
additional strength, he called Thillai Kali for help in his fight with
Narasimha. Finally, he succeeded in
calming down Narasimha. Hence, Thillai
Kali came to be called as Uthara Pratyangira Kali (Vada Bhadra
Kali).
Ellai
Kali:
Thillai Kali is also known as Ellai Kali (Kali at the border of Thillai). Devotees visiting Chidambaram temple complete the pilgrimage to the place with worship of Thillai Kali.
