Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Rishivandiyam – Legends

Ardhanareeswarar Temple, Rishivandiyam – Legends

Ardhanareeswarar:

As per legend, Indra used to perform Pooja to Lord Shiva daily at this Temple. However, he would leave with offering his prayers at Mother Parvathy Shrine. Mother Parvathy got offended  by the act of Indra and complained to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva offered his left side to Mother Parvathi. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Ardhanareeswarar. As usual, Indra performed his abhishekam to Lord Shiva next day and observed Mother Parvathi on the left side of the Lingam. Indra realized his mistake and begged pardon from Mother Parvathi. Mother Parvathi forgave his mistake. People can notice Mother Parvathy on the left side of the Lingam till today when honey abhishekam is performed to Lingam.

Sage Agastya got darshan of Lord Shiva marriage here:

As per legend, devas, celestial beings, sages and gods gathered at Mount Kailasha to attend the divine marriage of Lord Shiva. The northern land got tilted towards north due to the huge gathering. Lord Shiva requested Sage Agastya to travel south to balance the south. Lord Shiva also assured Sage Agastya that Agastya would get the darshan of his divine marriage whenever he wished. This Temple is considered as one such place where Sage Agastya got the darshan of divine marriage.

Cut marks in the Lingam:

It is believed that Veera Vanniyars clan dug the place for agriculture during Vijayanagara period. During their digging, the shovel hit certain object. They stopped digging and carefully excavated the place. At the end, they found a Swayambhu Lingam. They named the Lingam as Arthanareeswarar. The cut mark by shovel can be still seen in the Lingam.

Mother Parvathy fed Kuga Namshivayar with food here:

Kuga Namshivayar, disciple of Guru Namshivayar, was on pilgrimage to Chidambaram via Rishivandiyam. He was so hungry while he was on this place. He went to Muthambigai and sung Thayiruka Pillai Soru poem. Muthambigai appeared before him and asked him to sing both Lord Shiva and her as she was gracing the devotees here as part of Arthanareeswarar. As requested, he sung Minnumpadivantha Soru Kondu Va poem. After hearing the soul stirring poem, the mother fed him with food in a golden vessel.

Navaratri Vrata:

As per legend, Sukanya Devi is said to have observed Navaratri Vrata and puja along with her husband Sayavana Maharishi at this place.

Rishivandiyam:

It is said that five thousand Rishis performed penance on Lord Shiva in the form of bees. Hence, the place came to be called as Rishivandiyam.

Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here:

It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here and got blessed with wisdom

Rishi Vanda Vanam:

The place was called as Rishi Vanda Vanam in ancient times and got corrupted to Rishivandiyam.

Nalvar worshipped Lord Shiva here:

It is also believed that Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar and Manickavasagar visited and worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Dwapara Yuga:

It is believed that the temple came into existence during Dwapara Yuga.