33. KOONDHALUR

JAMBUGARUNYAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 13kms from Nannilam, 34kms from Thiruvarur and 38kms from Mayiladuthurai

Shiva: Jambhukarunyaeswarar

Amman: Aanandhavalli

Theertham: Kumara theertham in the south and Seetha Theertham in the esanya direction.

Speciality:

The name of the Shiva is Jambukarunyaeswarar. Jambu means fox. This temple was worshipped by a fox.

This temple was worshipped by Romasa Maharishi. Romasa Rishi performed penance in this place for more than 1000 years. 

Saturn and Mars have worshipped this temple therefore this temple is considered to be a Harihara Sthala to people affected by Sevai Dhosham and Sani Dhosham.

This temple was also worshipped by Seetha. 

The Shiva linga is tall.

All the parivar deities are found in this temple.

Koondhapanai Trees in plenty. Therefore obtained the name as Koondhalur.

There is a statue for Romasa Maharishi here.

The Murugar of this temple is called as Kumara Gurupara Murugar. Sage Arunagirinathar has sung about this Murugar in Thirupugazh. 

This is a Vaipusthalam. Thirunavukkarasar has referred about this temple in his Devaram.

About the Saint:

Romasa Maharishi is the ancestor of all Rishis. Star of this Rishi is Maasi Swathi. He was the son of Kagapujandar. he has three and a half crores hairs on his body. Roma means Hair. The fall of one hair signals the end of one Brahma. He has the authorised the Pancha Pakshi Shasthra. 

History:

Rama, Seetha and Lakshmana stayed in this place for a certain period of time during their exile. One day when Seetha was bathing in the river her hair which fell from her head got mixed with the water and was flowing along the river. The place where the hair stagnated is this place called as Kundhalur (Kundhal meaning hair). 

Another reason for this place to be called as Kundhalur is Romasa Maharishi whose body was full of hairs. 

Some say that this place was full of a variety of Palm tree named Kundha Panai in Tamil. Therefore the place has acquired the name Kundhalur.