ENKAN - SHANMUGA TEMPLE

The Moolavar of this famous temple has acquired the attribute of asritarakshaka-Protector of the dependents, as he never let down any pious devotee once relied upon him. Every devotee goes home with cheer and cherishes the intense ambition of availing Punardarsan of the excellent craftsman-hip of the icons even before going out of the portal. This is due to divinity of a sculptor, who once incurred the wrath of the king, when commissioned to sculpture superb pieces for the temple to be adorned with. Quite unfortunate to hear that his eye balls were plucked out at the instance of the king for a lapse on his part. The despaired sculptor being an ace craftsman managed to sculpt the icons of Muruga flanked by Valli and Devasena. When finished, the king was awe-struck at the excellent finish and dazzling polish. He regretted his rashness, responsible for depriving sight to such a great sculptor. Just at the moment of giving final touches to the eyes of the icons, miraculously sight was restored to the sculptor. The whole congregation wondering at the divine blessing praised the Lord infinitely. The king rewarded the sculptor fittingly. Lord Muruga never leaves his devotees in lurch. He comes to: their rescue at the right time. The very same archamurtis made during the blindness of the sculptor are receiving adoration even today. And they are a model for the novices. The place was named Enkan aptly later. Regular and annual festivals are carried on a grand scale luring huge crowds.

It is near Mukundanur in Tanjore district of Tamilnadu. accessible by bus.

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