Thiruvanchikulam Mahadevar Temple – Legends

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadevar Temple – Legends

Sundarar ascension to Kailasa:

The temple is believed to be the place where Sundarar and King Cheraman spent their last days and believed to have ascended to Kailasa in a white elephant. Tiru Anjaikalam is a jewel among the Shiva shrines of Tamilnadu sung by Saint Sundarar, also known as Nambi Aroorar, Thambiran Thozhar (Friend of Lord Shiva). He was born in Tiru Navalur in Villupuram district. When Cheraman visited Tiruvarur, Sundarar extended him all hospitality to him. He travelled with the king to many Shiva centers in Chola, Pandya and Kongu regions in the state. He reached Kodungalur in Kerala and stayed with the king Cheraman. Continuing his journey, he spread the glory of Lord Shiva.

Saint Sundarar was 18 when he came to Tiru Anjaikalam with his King Friend Cheraman Perumal who also enjoys his due place in the hierarchy of Nayanmars. He prayed to Lord Shiva to relieve him from the bonds of earthly life. The hymn “Thalaiku Thalai was his last song. Responding to the appeal of his devotee, Lord ordered the Devas to receive Sundarar and bring him on the white elephant. Sundarar thought of his bosom friend Cheraman Perumal. Cheraman took on his horse, flew, went around Sundarar thrice and reached Kailas before him, probably ready to accord a reception to Sundarar. Sundarar, even during his journey, continued to sing the praise of Lord gracing him with an elephant to reach Kailash. Sooner, he completed this song, he reached the Lord.

As directed by Lord Shiva, Varuna the God of Rain took the song and delivered at the Mahadevar Temple at Tiru Anjaikalam. In fact, the idols of both these personalities are there in the Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple. This event was taken place on Swati day in the month of Karkidakam (July/August) and special Poojas are performed in these shrines.

Parasurama worshipped Lord Shiva here:

It is believed that it the temple where Parasurama, an avatar of Vishnu worshiped Shiva to expiate his sin killing his mother Renuka.

No separate Shrine for Mother Parvathy:

It is believed that Lord Shiva lived here along with Parvathi, Karthikeyan and Ganapathy, hence there is no separate Sannathi for Devi Parvathy.

Scar Mark on Lingam:

There is a scar mark on left side on the top of the head. This marking is attributed to a story. When Shiva and Parvathi appeared before Arjuna in the form of Kiratha and Kirathu (hunter and huntress) Arjuna hit on the forehead of Kiratha which caused the mark. This was due to mistaken identity.

Pampummekkattu Mana:

There is yet another story winding the temple. Umamaheshwara once appeared in this place where Vasuki (serpent God and holy Nagas (serpents)) stood guard. A Brahmin had taken away Vasuki who stood guard to Umamaheshwara (Uma and Maheshwara – Parvathi and Shiva) in a palm-leaf umbrella to his Mana (home) for worship with the blessings of Umamaheshwara. This Brahmin family later became rich and their Mana famed as Pampummekkattu (serving of snake) Mana. This Mana is about 6-km east of Mahadeva temple. It is very famous for serpent Gods. People from all over Kerala and beyond visit here for the solution of problems connected with serpents.