Saturday, November 19, 2022

Pathanjali Manoharar Temple, Vilamal – Legends

Pathanjali Manoharar Temple, Vilamal – Legends

Thiru Vilamal:

As per legend, Sages Patanjali and Vyagrapada performed penance on Lord Shiva for his Ananda Thandavam (cosmic dance) at Chidambaram. Pleased with their penance, Lord Shiva performed his Ananda Thandavam at Chidambaram. Elated by the dance performance of Lord Shiva, the sages requested Lord Shiva to perform Ajaba Nadanam and Rudra Thandavam for them. Further, they also requested Lord Shiva to show his Thiruvadi (feet). Lord Shiva advised them to go to Thiruvarur to witness it.

As per the advice, they came to Thiruvarur and saw Shiva Lingams everywhere on the ground. Both the sages worshipped goddess Kamalambigai of Thiruvarur Thyagaraja Temple. She advised them to worship Lord Shiva at Vilamal to realize their wish. Sage Patanjali installed a Shiva Lingam made of sand and worshipped it. As the Shiva Lingam was made by Sage Patanjali, Lord Shiva came to be called as Patanjali Manoharar. Pleased with their worship, Lord Shiva blessed them with Ajaba Nadanam and showed them his Thiruvadi (left feet) darshan at this temple.

Hence, this place came to be called as Thiruvadi Kshetram / Sivapatha Sthalam / Thiru Vilamal and the Thiruvadi / Vilamal (holy feet) of Lord Shiva came to be called as Rudra Padam. It is believed that it is auspicious to worship Thiruvadi of Lord Shiva at this temple. It is said that Lord Shiva performed his Ajaba Nadanam in the north eastern side of the temple. Thus, Nandi can be seen looking in that direction. It is also said that Lord Vishnu, Brahma, Musukunda Chakravarthy and Devas were present at this time.

Emperor Dasharatha worshipped Lord Shiva here:

As per legend, Emperor Dasharatha, father of Lord Rama visited several temples before performing the Putra Kameshti Yaga for getting children. This temple is considered one among them.

People worshipped Lord Shiva here:

It is believed that Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Musukunda Chakravarthy, Surya, Devas, Sage Patanjali, Sage Vyagrapada, Sage Agastya and Dasaratha had worshipped Lord Shiva here.