Vanmeeganathar Temple,
Kanchipuram – Legends
Vanmeeganathar:
Once upon a time, all the celestials performed a holy
sacrifice to earn fame. Finally, the celestials found that their fame reached
the heights of glory after performing the holy sacrifice. Lord Vishnu who
wanted to get all the fame for himself stood there with the holy bow over his
shoulders, ready to attack those who wanted to get fame. Lord Indra rushed to
Kanchi established an idol of Lord Shiva there and worshipped it with great
devotion. God arose from the ant-hill in the form of a white ant, ate away the
holy bow of Lord Vishnu.
The bow rose up with a sudden jerk and broke away
pulling Vishnu’s head along with it. Then his head dropped to the ground.
Finally, the celestials succeeded in earning and their fame spread throughout
the world. Having successfully completed his task of bringing fame to the
celestials, Lord Indra felt very happy. But he felt a throb at his heart when
he thought he had inflicted harm on Lord Vishnu in his endeavour to win fame
for the celestials. Lord Indra was at his wit’s end, not knowing what to do in
order to set things right.
After pondering over for a long time, he concluded that
the only way to set things right, is to submit himself at the holy feet of Lord
Shiva who is all powerful. So, Lord Indra rushed to Kanchi prayed to Lord Shiva
with great devotion asking him to restore life to Lord Vishnu and thus awaken
him. Lord Shiva was moved by Lord Indra’s sympathy for Lord Vishnu and his
great trust for him (Lord Shiva). So, Lord Shiva blessed Lord Indra and granted
him boon which restored life to Lord Vishnu. Since, Lord Shiva who was present
in the ant-hill granted boons to Lord Indra, Lord Shiva was called by the holy
name Vanmeeganathar.
People
worshipped Lord Shiva here:
It is believed that Lord Shiva in this temple has been worshipped by Sage Valmiki, Devas and Indra.
