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This
legendary Saiva kshetra, where Manmatha was burnt to ashes with the
phalanetra of Lord Siva is elaborately eulogized in several puranas
and local histories. At the behest of Indra, the Lord of heavens,
Manmatha accompanied by his charming spouse Rati descended at this
place, when Siva was lost in meditation after Sati's immolation. And
Parvathi was serving Him as advised by her father Himavan. The
wedding of Siva with Parvathi for the birth of a valorous son to rid
of danavas occasioned the acceptance of Manmatha this formidable
act. Manmatha, by releasing his Panchabanas kindled love in Siva.
Realising the transgression, Siva opened his third eye and burnt the
intruder. Siva thus got the attribute of Kamadahana murti. At the
tearful appeal of Rati, Manmatha was given life. That scene of
action is called Panchabana Nallur. True to the belief as it were,
the soil at the exact spot of action is white in colour, and this
place by the name of Vallianallur. This renowned kshetra is
surrounded by ever green gardens and there . is a tank of crystal
clear water just opposite the temple. It is called soola thirtham,
said to
be as sacred as the Ganges water. Once, according to legend,
Dirgababu muni, who lived here stretched his long hands sky wards to
receive Akasa ganga. Ironical it seemed, his hands became short. He
prayed to Vinayaka, but could not as his hands too are short. In
despair, he knocked his head against a stone. Then happened the
miracle of the Lord's hand coming from it to stop bleeding and to
blessing. Thereafter he was aptly called the Kurukkai muni and the
place Kurukkai. Thus this place has more than one name.
It
is 8 km off Nidur and is accessible by bus from Mailaduthurai in
Tanjore district.
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