SHIVA - THE COSMIC DANCER

  SINGEESHWARAR TEMPLE – MAPPEDU - TIRUVALLUR DISTRICT - TAMILNADU The cosmic dance was in progress, Lord Nataraja was in full splendor doing his Thandavam, however Singee(Nandi) was equally immersed in beating the drums(Miruthangam). So much was he immersed in the miruthangam, that he missed to see the cosmic dance of the Lord. He prayed to lord shiva in this Temple in Mappedu a small village in Tiruvallur district. Pleased with his devotion, the Lord danced once more here and hence the Lord is known as Singeeshwarar, (Singi = Nandi + Eshwarar the Lord). The Mother Goddess is so fragrant, like a flower that she is known as PushpaKujambal( the goddess of flowers) Devas and Asuras churned the Ocean of Milk ( Samudra Manthan) in order to get Nectar ( Amrith). Lord Maha Vishnu prayed to Lord Shiva here to give him the Avatar of Mohini (The Celestial Woman). Mohini ensured that the Nectar is given to Devas only without sharing with the Asuras. As Lord Vishnu attained the form of Mohini her

  OTHANDEESHWARAR(MANO ANUKULESHWAR) TEMPLE - TIRUMAZHISAI - TAMILNADU. TIRUMAZHISAI - FOREST OF AZHINJAL TREES LEGEND The Chola King Karikal Peruvalathan was roaming in the forest of Thondai Nadu (Chennai) mounted on his elephant, in search of Kurumbars,who were troubling his subjects. His elephant got stuck in wild creepers and was not able to move forward. He got down from the elephant and struck the creepers with his sword to cut them off. He was shocked to see blood flow out from the place where he had struck. He found the old beautiful lingam worshipped by Sage Agastya at the place. In realisation of the sin committed of stricking the Idol of Lord Shiva he took his sword and cut his own arm. Lord Shiva was pleased with the Kings devotion and restored his arm. After vanquishing his enemies, he returned to the spot to build a temple in the place. Because lord Shiva restored the hands of the King, he is also reffered to as KAI (HAND) THANDA (GAVE) PIRAAN ( LORD) or the lord who res