Venguneswarar Temple,
Vengundram – Legends
Venguneswarar / Thavalagireeswarar:
As per the instruction of Lord
Shiva, Sage Vyasa went on a pilgrimage explaining the importance of Vedas to the
general public. He noticed a white
colored mountain during his pilgrimage. He was mesmerized by the beauty of the
mountain and installed a Linga on top of the
mountain. Further, he excavated a Theertham and performed pooja to the
Linga daily with the water drawn from the Theertham. Hence, the Theertham came to
be called as Vyasa Theertham. As Sage Vyasa installed Linga on top of white
mountain, the Linga came to be called as Venguneswarar / Thavalagireeswarar
(Venmai / Thavalam means white).
Arunachaleswarar:
After the annihilation of Tarakasura, Lord Murugan visited
several Shiva temples and worshipped Lord Shiva. When he reached Thiruvannamalai,
he wished for Jyoti darshan of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared before him,
informed him about his Jyoti darshan to Lord Vishnu & Lord Brahma here and
attained his Ardhanareeswarar form here on Karthikai Pournami. Further he stated
that his Jyoti darshan would be shown to him on Thavalagiri
and disappeared.
Accordingly, Lord Murugan reached Thavalagiri,
created a Theertham with his Vel (lance) and worshipped Lord Shiva for his Jyoti
darshan. Pleased with his prayer, Lord Shiva granted Jyoti darshan to Lord
Murugan and became a Linga at this
place. This Linga under the name Arunachaleswarar can be seen in the temple.
The Theertham created by Lord Murugan came to be called as Kumara Theertham.
Ganga regained her beautiful
form here:
Once, River Ganga was quite dirty and ugly as people took bath in the river to
wash off their sins. Ganga approached Lord Shiva for relief. He advised Ganga to
visit Thavalagiri
and worship him for relief. As advised, she visited Thavalagiri,
worshipped Lord Shiva and got back her beauty.
Indra
Theertham:
It is believed that Indra along with the Devas came here
and worshipped Lord Shiva. It is also said that he created Theertham here
during his worship. Hence, this Theertham came to be called as Indra Theertham.