THIRUMANICHERAI UDAIYAR TEMPLE
Distance: 28kms from Vndavasi via Peranamallur
Shiva: Thirumanicherai Udaiyar
Amman: Thirumaninayaki
Sthala Viruksham: Thazhampoo
Theertham: Ootru Neer, Sangu Theertham present in Sangu Shape (shape of a conch)
Speciality:
The Shiva Linga is made of Navabhashanam. Abhishekam is done from the water brought from the spring water. The Abhisheka water cures many diseases - snake bites, infertility and so on.
This mount was tall approximately to the height of Himalayas. Therefore it was called Periyamalai. Agasthya witnessed the marriage of Lord Shiva in Kailash from the top of this mount before it was pressed down.It sank down when Agasthya kept his feet on the peak.
The foot steps of Nandhi are seen in the temple.
This temple is more than 2500 years old.
The hill is 200ft tall.
The name of the Village in ancient times was Nandhipura Vinnagaram.
The number of steps is just above 50.
This temple was ransacked by invasions but now it has been brought into a good Shape.
There is a cave where Pambatti Siththar is said to live in the form of a snake.
History:
When Agasthya was sent from Mount Kailash to balance the weight which was immense due to the people and Devas gathered for wedding of Shiva and Parvathi he happened to come to this place. The weight in Kailash made the mount come down. Agasthya stood on this mount which went down to balance the level of the ground such that mount Kailash would not come down any more. The peak of Periyamalai was penetrating upward.
Sage Silathiyar wanted the boon of going to Kailash in his own body. Sage Naradha told him that his ancestors were wandering without food and water. So, he told him to perform the ritual of offerings to them. Silathiyar picked up a Ilanji Grass (dharpai) and gave offerings to his ancestors. This place was full of Ilanji Grass. Therefore this was called Ilanjimedu which has been trasformed to Injimedu. The practice of Pithru Tharpanam is done here.
Later a Sage performed penance towards Lord Shiva here. To disturb his penance an elephant brought water from the spring and splashed on him. He was motionless. The elephant tried to reach the sage but was stopped by a fire circle around the Sage. The determination of the sage was praised by lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared before him and asked him what he wanted. He said that he wanted the Lord to stay here so that his devotees could worship him and get their wishes fulfilled. Shiva agreed and the Sage created a Navabhashanalinga and installed it here.
There was an ego battle between Brahma and Vishnu that who was siperior than the other. Brahma and Vishnu said to search the top and bottom of Shiva respectively. It was a deal that if Brahma could find the top and Vishnu could find the bottom of Lord Shiva they were considered superior if they could complete their task first. The Thazhampoo which fell from Shiva's head was a false witness in support of Brahma as he lied that he had seen the top of Shiva. Shiva cursed Thazhampoo and Brahma. What happened to Brahma is entirely a different story. The family of Thazhampoo could not flourish due to this curse. In order come out of the curse it stands as Sthala Viruksha here always praising Lord Shiva.
Nandhi was the son of Sage Siladharan. Nandhi performed penance seeking the blessings and acceptance of Lord Shiva. Shiva blessed Nandhi from this hill to be his Vahana. Therefore worshipping Nandhi here is considered to be very sacred. Participating in Pradhosha poojas will have more good effects than in any other temple.
Sanguvthirrham
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