Ranganathaswamy Temple, Shivanasamudra – Legends
Shivana
Samudra:
As per Hindu mythology, it is said that one day, Shiva
and Parvathi were on a stroll in the sky and were observing the river Kaveri
from above. Shiva observed that a huge rock obstructed the increasing ongoing
flow of the river. But the river spread out like an ocean and surrounding that
rock, flowed forward. Amazed by the sheer size of the river, which appeared to
him as an ocean, Shiva proclaimed "Dhanya Kaveri" (Blessed river).
Observing the ocean like river which impressed Shiva, Parvathi gave it the name
"Shivanasamudra". All the temples have been built on the same rock
which is famous today as Shivana Samudra.
Lord
Shiva destroyed Rakshasas to save River Cauvery:
The legends state that river Cauvery, which flows on
either side of the temple like a garland, was obstructed by a rakshasa who had
taken the form of a rock at a place near Shivanasamudra. Mother Cauvery
appealed to Lord Shiva who destroyed the rakshasa, hence the name
Shivanasamudra.
Shila
Bhedhana Kshetra:
Devendra was affected from "Vruthra Hatya",
was doing penance in several holy places. As per the instructions of Sri
Brahma, he formed a beautiful Ranganatha Swamy idol, a form of Vishnu, and
started worshipping him here. One day, the water flow increased rapidly and
started flooding the place. Concerned that his penance might be disturbed,
Devendra, smashed a portion of the huge rock that this place was and made way
for the river to flow ahead from either side of the rock.
The river plummeted down with a lot of force from the
right of the rock. This came to be known as the "Bharachukki"
waterfall. From the left, it took a steadier approach to the cliff before
diving down. This came to be known as the "Gaganachukki" waterfall.
Devendra is said to have successfully completed his pooja and achieved
expiation against his sin. Since the rock was smashed by Devendra, this place
also got the name "Shila Bhedhana Kshetra".
Devendra
got relieved of his curse here:
It is believed that Devendra was cursed and was advised
by the Saptha Rishis that he install an idol of Lord Ranganatha at this
location and that it should be a replica of the seshashayana form of Lord Maha
Vishnu in Vaikunta. Devendra acted accordingly and installed the idol, of the
Lord Ranganatha made of Saligrama stone, and was redeemed of his curse.
Saptha
Rishi Kshetra:
It is also said that the Saptha Rishis take their Saayam
Sandhya bath and perform other holy rites in the river Cauvery at Barachukki.
Hence this place is also known as "Saptha Rishi Kshetra."
Amrutha
Kumbha:
The Amrutha Kumbha which was brought down by the Saptha
Rishis is believed to be kept under the Sanctum Sanctorum, 60 feet below the
idol of Lord Ranganatha. This Kumbha is meant to rejuvenate the world after
pralaya. The Kumbha is said to be guarded by Lord Anjaneya, Goddess Durgadevi
and Agasthya Maharishi with Lopamudra.
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