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This
ancient Hatakeswara Saiva Kshetra of Gujarat situated in Vadnagar
city has a very long legend and dates back to Vedic times. It is
said to have covered five crosas during its heyday. Vadnagar has
another name of Chamatkarpur, and history embodies its glory
extensively. The Brahmins of this place were called Nagar Brahmins,
highly erudite and are responsible for the introduction of Nagari
lipi.
The
legend of this kshetra is quite fantastic and encircles many
celestials. According to it, Lord Siva turned desolate after Sati's
immolation at Dakshayagna, particularly after cutting of her body by
the Sudarsana Chakra of Sri Mahavishnu and was roaming about like a
lunatic almost naked in the country of Anartha. Rishis dwelling
there found this indecent and unbearable. So they cursed him. In
consequence, the Sivalinga worshipped there hitherto at once went
down to Patala. At the instance of Brahma, Siva received back the
Sivalinga given once to the hermits on ardent prayers.
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