Mukhalingeshwara Temple, Mukhalingam – Legends

Mukhalingeshwara Temple, Mukhalingam – Legends

Madhukeswara:

As per legend, Mukhalingam was once dense forest ideal for performing penance. Sage Vamadeva came here with Gandharvas to perform Narayana Yagna for the benefit of the world. Sage Vamadeva required materials to perform the Yagna. So, he requested Gandharvas to collect these materials from the surrounding forest. Gandharvas went to the forest in search of the materials requested by sage Vamadeva.

During their search, the Gandharvas met girls in the forest and attracted towards them. They forgot their purpose of visit and started enjoying the company of the girls. Sage Vamadeva was waiting for their return and finally he found the irresponsible behaviour of the Gandharvas through his divine powers. Sage Vamadeva got angry and cursed the Gandharvas to become human beings.

Realising their mistakes, they pleaded to Sage Vamadeva for relief. Sage Vamadeva informed them that their curse would be absolved during Kali Yuga when they get darshan of Lord Shiva in the form of Madhuka tree. As said by sage Vamadeva, Lord Shiva manifested here in the form of Madhuka tree and relieved Gandharvas, who were born here as Tribals (Sabaras). Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Madhukeswara.

The Magical Pot:

Once, an old potter named Naganna was living in Mukhalingam. He was issueless. He used to pray to Lord Shiva of this temple daily. He promised to gift a large pot with milk to Lord if he is blessed with a child. He was blessed with a baby boy due to his prayers. As promised, he made a huge pot filled with milk and took it to the temple, but because of its size, could not carry it to the inner sanctum. The pot was broken in the process. The potter felt bad for not keeping his promise to Lord Shiva.

Hence, he told Lord Shiva that he would leave his child in the sanctum with the Shivalinga. He left the chid and went back to his home. When the priest opened the door next day morning, he saw the broken pot intact and was kept inside the sanctum. The child was seen playing near the Shivalinga. Since then, it is believed that childless couples are granted their wish of a child after praying here.

Mukhalingeshwara:

As per legend, a man named Chitrasena was living in Mukhalingam with his two wives. His two wives had a fight over a Madhuka tree, which was being worshipped as a Lingam. He tried to cut down the tree to put an end to the fight between his two wives. During the attempt to cut down the tree, the face of Lord Shiva is said to have appeared on the trunk. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Mukhalingeshwara.