Bhoothagireeswarar Temple,
Sirudavur – Legends
Bhoothagireeswarar:
As per legend, Lord Brahma requested Lord Shiva to
depute Bhooda Ganas to assist him in his Yaga in Kasi. As requested, Lord Shiva
deputed the ganas in the form of brahmins to perform the Yaga. During the Yaga,
Bhooda Ganas desired to have darshan of Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja.
Lord Brahma feared that the Bhooda ganas might desert the Yaga to realise their
desire. So, he requested Lord Shiva to provide darshan to the Bhooda Ganas.
Lord Shiva provided darshan to ganas and ensured the
completion of the Yaga. The Bhooda Ganas are believed to be the ancestors of
the Dikshitars of Chidambaram
Nataraja Temple. The Bhooda Ganas installed the Linga in Sirudavur
on their way to Chidambaram.
Thus, Lord Shiva came to be called as Bhoothagireeswarar.
Nandi
facing towards South:
It is unique to see the head of the Nandi is facing
towards south (the direction of Lord Yama). There is story behind this unique posture.
Once, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva suffering from severe disease came to this
temple for worship. Lord Yama was waiting outside the
temple to take his life. On seeing Yama waiting to take the life of Shiva
devotee, Nandi got angry and turned his head towards Yama. Yama unable to bear
the wrath of Nandi left the
place. Thus, Nandi saved the life of a devotee here.
