Bhoominathar Temple, Sevalur –
Legends
Bhoominathar:
As per legend, Bhoomadevi (Mother Earth) performed
intense penance on Lord Shiva in Kritha Yuga, the first of the four Yugas
seeking sufficient strength to bear the burden of growing population in the
coming Yugas. Pleased with her penance, Lord Shiva appeared before Mother Earth
and granted her the boon. Further, Lord Shiva said that the penance was
adequate to bear the population burden in Kaliyuga. She will be able to bear
the burden only through the prayers her devotees do for her.
Mother Earth began searching for such devotees in many
sacred places and prayed Swayambu Murthis she met on the way. It is said that
Lord Bhoominathar of this temple is one of the Swayambhu Moorthis she prayed. The
Shivalinga has many stripes (Pattai) which was formed while Bhoomadevi (Mother
Earth) worshipped him with turmeric, Sandal, Kasthuri and butter pastes at the
end of each Yuga. As Bhoomadevi worshipped Lord Shiva here, he came to be
called as Bhoominathar.
People worshipped Lord Shiva
here:
It is believed that Lord Vishnu, Bhoomadevi and Devas
had worshipped Lord Shiva here.
Sevalur:
As the place was abundant with red sand (Sevval), the place came to be called as Sevalur.
