|
This
ancient saiva kshetra has a fascinating tale redolent with Siva
mahima. According to sthalapurana, Lord Vishnu in His Varahavatara
roamed about proudly after lifting the world from the sea. Finding
the arrogance crossing bounds and causing fear to the people, Lord
Siva broke
his tusk. Vishnu realising His folly worshipped this Lord zealously
for opening His eyes to the realities. Kasyapa Maharshi also
worshipped here realising the glory of this Moolavar. Another tale
narrates that once a Saivate devotee married the first daughter of
the temple priest and went on a pilgrimage. During his absence, his
wife lost her eye sight and became deformed beyond recognition in an
accident. On returning he claimed the second daughter as his wife
rejecting his married spouse. None convinced his obstinate attitude.
Then appeared the Lord and in a thundering voice said - "Aval-Ival
- that woman is this one only". All bowed to the Lord and to
His verdict. Since then this place is called Aval-Ival Nallur. In a
separate shrine, the image of Sakshi Nayakeswarar is installed in
token of giving evidence to the erring devotee.
It
has a holy temple tank curing the disease, if bathed in as evidenced
by blind woman got back the sight lost after a bath as uttered by
Lord Siva.
|
