Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Thula
Kattam – Legends
Thula
Snana:
Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi were quite dirty and ugly
as people took bath in these rivers to wash off their sins. These three rivers
approached Sage Kanva Rishi in Kasi. He advised these rivers to visit Mayiladuthurai
during Aippasi (Thula) month for relief. As advised, they visited Mayiladuthurai,
took bath (Thula Snana) in Cauvery at Thula
Kattam and got relief from their sins. Also, they regained their
beauty. Hence, it is considered auspicious to take bath at Cauvery here during
the month of Aippasi. Especially, the last day of Aippasi, called Kadaimugam is
considered the most sacred day to take bath here and get moksha.
Sadashiva:
Sadashiva is the Supreme being in the
Mantra marga Siddhanta sect of Shaivism. Sadasiva is usually depicted
having five faces and ten hands, is also considered as one of the
25 Maheshwara idols of Lord Shiva. It is said that he is
accompanied by Rudras, Siddhars, Sages and diving beings. It is believed that the
sages accompanying Sadashiva worshipped Lord Shiva here. A Linga in this
temple is still being managed by the Adhi Shaiva community.
Sage
Kanva Rishi worshipped Lord Shiva here:
It is believed Sage Kanva Rishi worshipped Lord Shiva
here and got the knowledge of Sangya Yoga and other yogic powers.