Soleeswarar Temple,
Pillaiyarpalayam – Legends
As per legend, Lord Brahma arrogantly declared that
he was the supreme creator of the universe and greatest among gods during a particular
council of rishis (sages). Lord Shiva appeared at the assembly as an
infinite pillar of light and challenged Brahma's statement. After deliberation,
the council accepted Shiva as the true creator, but Brahma remained obstinate.
Angered by Brahma's vanity, Lord Shiva took the form of terrifying Bhairava, cut
off one head of the five-headed Brahma with a mere flick of his fingernail.
As a consequence, Brahma died, but the spiritual credit
he had accumulated over a lifetime of devout asceticism pulled him immediately
back from death. Upon his resurrection, Brahma accepted Lord Shiva's
superiority. However, the head of Brahma stuck to Bhairava's left palm due to
the sin of killing Brahma. To expiate the sin, Shiva had to perform the vow of
a Kapali (wandering the world as a naked beggar with the skull of the slain as
his begging bowl). Lord Bhairava in this form is called as Bikshadana. Bhairava
wandered the three worlds (heaven, earth, and netherworld) begging from door to
door with a host of bhutas (goblins).
The women of the houses who came to grant him food
became enamoured by his appearance and followed him, singing and dancing.
Wandering, Bikshadana reached the Deodar Forest (also called Daruka forest),
where he shocked the sages with his lewdness and nudity and tempted their
wives. Bikshadana made them realise his greatness after their confrontation. After
the encounter with the sages of the Deodar Forest, Bikshadana continued to
wander, visiting various countries of gods and demons before he finally reached
the abode of the Lord Vishnu.
Vishnu's gatekeeper Vishwaksena did not allow
him to enter. Angered, Bikshadana slew Vishwaksena and impaled the corpse on
his trident, which added to his sin. This form of Shiva with a corpse on his
trident is called Kankhala Moorthy (One with the skeleton). Bikshadana,
now as Kankhala Moorthy, entered Vishnu's abode and begged for food. Vishnu
offered his own blood as food. Then, he visited Kanchi and worshipped Lord
Shiva here. Lord Shiva made Bhairava to guardian deity of Kanchipuram. Finally,
Bhairava released Vishwakasena from his trisula and restored him to Lord Shiva.
It is also believed that Ashta Bhairavas worshiped Lord Shiva of this
temple.