Sunday, October 31, 2021

Seeraleswarar Temple, Mathur – Legends

Seeraleswarar Temple, Mathur – Legends

Paranjothi popularly known as Siruthondar was an army general of the great Pallava king Narasimhavarman I who ruled South India from 630 – 668 CE. He also led the Pallava army during the invasion of Vatapi in 642 CE. In the later years of his life, Paranjothi gave up violence and became a wandering Saivite monk, Siruthonda Nayanar. He is venerated as one of the 63 Nayanmars. He regarded himself as the lowly servant of the Lord and other Siva bhaktas. Hence, he came to be called as Siruthondar (small servant).

Lord Siva wanted to test his devotion. So, one day, Lord Shiva appeared in front of Siruthondar house, in the guise of a Shiva Yogi. Lord enquired Sandana Nangaiyar, maid servant of Siruthondar, about his master whereabouts. She said Lord that he had gone in search of a Shiva devotee as he would not take food before feeding a Shiva devotee. She invited Shiva Yogi to come into their house as his master would be happy to see a Shiva Yogi at his home.

Shiva Yogi refused to enter the house as the women in the house were alone without their male companion. Thiruvengattu Nangaiyar, wife of Siruthondar, also invited him to the house. Shiva Yogi still refused and informed them that he would reside under the tree near the temple till the arrival of Siruthondar. Once Siruthondar arrived, his wife informed about the Shiva Yogi. Siruthondar ran towards to the temple and invited him to the house.

Shiva Yogi stated that he had doubts whether Siruthondar might accept his conditions to accept the Bhiksha. Siruthondar promised that he was ready to accept any demand from the Shiva Yogi. Shiva Yogi revealed his condition that he wanted to eat the meat of a 5 year old healthy child and should be the only son to their parents. Further, he stated that the child must be held by his mother and cut into pieces by his father. Siruthondar realized that his son, Seeralan, fitted all criteria.

Siruthondar told his wife about the Shiva Yogi and she too agreed. The mother held the child in her lap and Siruthondar cut his throat in one stroke. They cooked their own son and requested Shiva Yogi to have his meal. Now, Yogi wanted another Shiva devotee to eat with him. Siruthondar agreed to give company and ready to eat the flesh of his son. Yogi further stated that he wanted Siruthondar son to join the feast. Siruthondar informed Yogi that his son was not in the house currently.

But Yogi insisted Siruthondar to go out and call his son. Siruthondar wanted to obey the words of Yogi and called him son. To utter surprise, his son came running to him. The parents were astonished and went inside to the see the Yogi. Yogi and the meat offered to him disappeared. Lord Shiva appeared before them, blessed the family and took them to his abode, Kailasha. It is said that the above incident took place in this place. Hence, the temple is considered as rebirth place of Seeralan, son of Siruthonda Nayanar.