Thiru Chitraru Imayavarappan Temple, Chengannur, Alappuzha – Legends

Thiru Chitraru Imayavarappan Temple, Chengannur, Alappuzha – Legends

Anju Ambalam:

It is one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, connected with the legend of Mahabharata. Legend has it that the Pandava princes, after crowning Parikshit as king of Hastinapura left on a pilgrimage. On arriving on the banks of river Pamba, each one is believed to have installed a tutelary image of Krishna; Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple by Yudishtira, Puliyur Mahavishnu Temple by Bheema, Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple by Arjuna, Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple by Nakula and Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple by Sahadeva.

Imayavarappar:

During Mahabharata war, Yudhishthira, the head of the Pandavas, who never before uttered a lie, lied in one instant to defeat his Guru, Dronacharya. To overcome the sin of the lie, he underwent penance worshiping the lord here and got absolved of his sin. Imayavar (Devas) came to this place prior to Yudhishthira and hence the deity here is referred as Imayavarappar. It is believed that anyone who comes and prays Lord Imayavarappan here will be absolved of their sins.

Annihilation of Padmasuran:

According to legends, there was a demon called Padmasuran. He did a severe penance towards Lord Shiva and got a boon that if he (Padmasuran) touches any one's head, they will turn to ash. Lord Shiva pleased with Padmasuran's penance, granted him the boon. As soon as he got the boon, he wanted to test it on Lord Shiva himself, and he came running to touch Shiva's head. Shiva had no other option but to retreat himself and hide from Padmasuran. With such a powerful boon, Padmasuran wreaked terror and people were afraid to come near him.

Lord Shiva approached Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Mohini and went before Padmasuran. Padmasuran who fell for Mohini's beauty wanted to court her. Mohini asked Padmasuran to have an oil bath first before touching her. A very happy Padmasuran went towards a pond and started applying oil on his body. As soon as he touched his head, he turned into ashes and died. Thus, Lord Vishnu saved Lord Shiva and gave darshan to Lord Shiva at this place.

Lord Brahma got the knowledge of creation from Lord Vishnu here:

It is also believed that Lord Brahma got the knowledge of creation from Lord Vishnu from here.