177. PERUNJERI

KANNKAANAADHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Kannkaanaadheeswarar

Amman: Karpagambaal

Speciality:

This temple serves as a relief sthala for all the 27 stars and a Sarva Dhosha parihara Sthala for everyone.

The trees pertaining to the 27 stars are found here.

The Gubera Swarna Akarshana Bhairavar with his consorts is a special Sannidhi of this temple.

This place was called as Tharukavanam in ancient days.

Shiva faces east and Amman faces south.

There is a 6ft Budhdha statue which is worshipped as Mahavishnu near the temple.

History:

Some sages performed penance with their wives. They were very proud that no one had more power of penance than themselves and that no one is more devoted and perfect than their wives. Their wives were proud that one was more beautiful than them. Shiva blessed the with boons as he was happy with their penance. At the same time, He wanted to correct their character by teaching them a lesson. 

Shiva came as Bhishadanar. He was so good looking and the Rishi Pathinis were attracted by his looks. The sages came to know about this and they felt that their conception and pride about their wives were wrong. Mahavishnu took the Avatar of Mohini and the Sages were attracted by her beauty. They felt that there was no other women as beautiful as her. They went behind her and forgot their jobs. They realised that it was the game of Shiva who had sent Mahavishnu as Mohini to make them realise their mistake and get rid of their foolish pride. They wanted to Amend themselves and therefore went in search of Shiva seeking a solution. Lord Shiva disappeared from their sight. Therefore Shiva is called is Kankanadheeswarar in this temple. The Sages repented and yearned for forgiveness. They felt ashamed and were worried.  They heard a voice saying that this incident was just to change their wrong conceptions and views and make them realise the truth. Lord Shiva Said that he would appear only before people who are filled with love and humanity and without pride.