Erikarai Kailasanathar Temple, Sevilimedu – Legends
As per legend, Devas and Asuras churned the milky ocean (Parkadal) to obtain Amirtha that would free them from death, keeping them alive for ever. When the Amirtha emerged, Lord Vishnu in the guise of Mohini was distributing the Amirtha only to the Devas. He was worried that the evil deeds of the asuras will increase multifold if they consumed Amirtha.
Realizing this, Svarna Bhanu, one of the asuras, with the help of the Asura guru Sukracharya, took the form of a deva and consumed the nectar. The Sun God and the Moon God noticed him, and they informed Mohini, however, by that time Svarna Bhanu had already become immortal. Vishnu as Mohini cut off Svarna Bhanu's head with Sudarshan Chakra. He could not die but his head was separated from his body and his head came to be known as Rahu, while his body came to be known as Ketu.
Both of them came here, created a Theertham and worshipped Lord Shiva for forgiveness. It is believed that Lord Shiva had restored them by giving snake body to Rahu and snake head to Ketu. Lord Shiva also blessed them and gave them a place among the nine planets. Hence, this temple is considered as Parihara Sthalam for Rahu Ketu.
