11. SALAVAKKAM

SWARNAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 20kms from Chengulpet

Shiva: Swarnapureeswarar

Amman: Aanandhavalli

History:

The 2 Asuras Sumban and Nisumban performed thavam for the blessings pf Lord Brahma. When Brahma appeared before them they wanted him to bless them with a boon that they should die only by a virgin appearing from Mother Parvathi. When there wish was sanctioned they became arrogant and tortured the Devas. The Devas prayed to Lord Shiva to relieve them from these sufferings. When Lord Shiva was aware of the boon granted by Brahma he ordered Mother Parvathi to take care of the situation. Se transformed herself into a dark coloured Kaali and came to the banks of the river Paalar. She established a Shiva Linga, created a holy pond and started performing Thavam there. Shiva appeared before her and transformed her dark colour into a golden one. The dark colour transformed into a virgin and destroyed the Asuras. Since Lord Shiva transformed the dark colour into a golden one he was named as Swarnapureeswarar (Swarnam means gold). This place was earlier called as Swarnapuri. After the invasions of the Vijayanagara rulers the name became Chalavakkam (Chala means auspicious and Pakkam - place). Before destroying the Asuras Kaali worshipped the Vinayaka of this temple. This Vinayaka is now called as Shakthi Vinayaka.
Goddess Lakshmi was very proud of her beauty. Vishnu cursed her and thereby she lost her beauty. She was advised to come to Swarnapuri to regain her appearance. So with the help of Kubera she created a pond which grew golden lotus flowers. She prayed to Lord Swarnapureeswarar by performing pooja with these Golden lotus flowers. She regained her beauty and Kubera was made the lord of wealth.
An ardent devotee of this Shiva named Sivanesan was granted with the dharshan of Lord Shiva. He was transformed to 2 lingas, as he wished. These 2 lingas are now known as Uthiranadhar and Dhakshnanadhar.