Courtesy:Smt.Sukanya Karthick
Happy with this, Sage Agasthya agreed to move to South India. Lord
Shiva gave him five tasks to accomplish:
1. To provide a Jeevanadhi (a perennial water source) to South India
2. To put an end to Illvalan and Vatapi, the rulers of the city of
Manimathi, who were cruel to Brahmins and subjects
3. To support Rama in vanquishing Ravana
4. To create a Sangam for Tamil literature
5. To enhance medicine through the age old secrets of the Rishis
It was the first day in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April 14th
Sage Agasthya happily left the Lingam where it was. Since it had been
Not just this, there are several other interesting features in the temple.
How to get here:
Source:K.N.Ramesh
Sage Agasthya was summoned by Lord Shiva. The Occasion - the celestial
wedding of Shiva with Parvathi in Kailash, to which all Gods and
Rishis were invited. Lord Shiva was concerned that the South may go
down because of this unexpected movement of visitors to the North and
hence requested Agasthya to maintain the balance by stationing himself
down South. Agasthya was disappointed. "What have I done that I do not
get to witness the celestial wedding?" he asked sadly. Lord Shiva
promised him that only he could provide this balance and hence was
being commissioned on the task and the Celestial wedding will be shown
to him wherever he was.
wedding of Shiva with Parvathi in Kailash, to which all Gods and
Rishis were invited. Lord Shiva was concerned that the South may go
down because of this unexpected movement of visitors to the North and
hence requested Agasthya to maintain the balance by stationing himself
down South. Agasthya was disappointed. "What have I done that I do not
get to witness the celestial wedding?" he asked sadly. Lord Shiva
promised him that only he could provide this balance and hence was
being commissioned on the task and the Celestial wedding will be shown
to him wherever he was.
Happy with this, Sage Agasthya agreed to move to South India. Lord
Shiva gave him five tasks to accomplish:
1. To provide a Jeevanadhi (a perennial water source) to South India
2. To put an end to Illvalan and Vatapi, the rulers of the city of
Manimathi, who were cruel to Brahmins and subjects
3. To support Rama in vanquishing Ravana
4. To create a Sangam for Tamil literature
5. To enhance medicine through the age old secrets of the Rishis
Once River Cauvery came into existence, Sage Agasthya proceeded with
the killing of Illvalan and Vatapi. They were the sons of Sage Durvasa
and Ajamukhi, the sister of Shurapadma. In order to rid himself from
the Brahmahathi Dosha, Sage Agasthya created a lingam right in the
middle of the river Cauvery with sand and started meditating before
the same. Since this Ishwara was in the middle of the river (நடு + ஆறு
) he came to be known as "Nattatreeswara".(நட்டாற்றீஸ்வரர் )
the killing of Illvalan and Vatapi. They were the sons of Sage Durvasa
and Ajamukhi, the sister of Shurapadma. In order to rid himself from
the Brahmahathi Dosha, Sage Agasthya created a lingam right in the
middle of the river Cauvery with sand and started meditating before
the same. Since this Ishwara was in the middle of the river (நடு + ஆறு
) he came to be known as "Nattatreeswara".(நட்டாற்றீஸ்வரர் )
Information
It was the first day in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April 14th
usually) when Sage Agasthya came out of meditation, having been rid of
Brahma Hathi Dosha. When he tried to dissolve the lingam made of sand,
he found that it had hardened and he was unable to move it from where
he had installed it. At this point, he heard Lord Shiva instruct him
to leave the Lingam where it was, for the Lord had decided to stay
there in the middle of the river, to rid all those who worshipped him
on the first day of Chithirai from all the Doshas that they have been
afflicted with.
Notice
Sage Agasthya happily left the Lingam where it was. Since it had been
installed on a small hillock in the middle of the river, all that he
could offer to the Lord was porridge made of Bajra and yoghurt.
(கம்பங்கூழ் ). Till date, this ritual is being followed. Mr Gandhi,
the Secretary of the temple trust, tells us that on the first day of
Chithirai, a minimum of one lakh people gather at the Nattatreeswarar
Temple for worshipping the Lord and relieving themselves of all
doshas. He says they grind around 15 bags of Bajra brought all the way
from Tiruvannamalai and prepare about 150 drums of porridge. This is
then mixed with 5000 litres of curd brought specially for this purpose
from Erode and offered as prasadam to all the devotees who visit on
the first day of Chithirai.
Not just this, there are several other interesting features in the temple.
Information
How to get here:
Nearest Railway Station: Erode
By Road: From Erode, proceed towards the Kodumudi - Karur Road. After
about 13 kms, you will reach Chavadipalayam Pudur. At the four road
junction there, proceed east for about 2 kms to reach the banks of the
Cauvery from where you have to take the coracle to the temple. There
is a board at Chavadipalayam pudur junction.
Temple Timings:
6.30 am - 12.30 pm
3.30 pm - 6 pm
On the first day of Chithirai, the temple is open through the day.
Contact Details:
Mr. Gandhi, Secretary - 98420 22017
Source:K.N.Ramesh