Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Kodi Kuzhagar Temple, Kodiakkarai – Legends

Kodi Kuzhagar Temple, Kodiakkarai – Legends

Amirthakadeswarar:

When Devas and Asuras churned Thiruparkadal for amirtha (nectar), many things came out of ocean and finally they got the nectar. The devas gave the amrita (nectar) in a pot to Vayu to carry out to a safer place. When Vayu was carrying the nectar pot, Asuras created wind storm to stop Vayu. The pot got tilted due to the storm and few drops of nectar fell down at this place and a Shiva Lingam was formed from the drops of amrita.

Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Amirthakadeswarar. It is also said that Lord Murugan collected few drops of amrita in a pot. Hence, Lord Murugan came to be called as Amrita Subramanya. He can be seen with Amrita Kalasam in his hands in this temple. It is also noted that Vinayagar is called as Amrita Vinayagar and Theertham is called as Amrita Theertham in this temple.

Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here:

As per legend, Lord Rama is said to have sighted Sri Lanka from this place during his search of Sita. Sugriva planned to build a bridge from here to Lanka to help Rama to cross the sea, given its proximity to Lanka. However, Lord Rama disagreed with the proposal as Kodiakkarai is behind Lanka and that would be inappropriate to attack Ravana from behind.

Lord Rama preferred to construct the bridge from Dhanushkodi as it is located opposite to the front entrance of the island. Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here before proceeding to Sri Lanka. To commemorate the event, the foot prints of Rama is carved here. The foot prints of Lord Rama is situated at about 4 Kms from this temple.

People worshipped Lord Shiva here:

Narada, Indra, Kuzhaga Munivar, Brahman (son of Sveta Munivar), Sundarar, Cheraman Perumal, Sekkizhar, Arunagirinathar and Siddhars had worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple.