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SIVA AS A HUNTER
This shrine is an integral part of the Siva temple built to perpetuate another great event, enhancing the glory of Lord Siva.
According to tradition, Lord Mahavishnu after sending Bali Chakravarti to the nether world grew a little bit
arrogant and moved about with pride. Not commendable in way! Does this bring honour to him? No.
It is upcoming to a person of his status and powers. Apprehending unpleasant consequences, Lord
Siva assuming the form of hunter humbled his pride with an arrow. It worked: Later penitent Vishnu
requested the Lord to settle down here arid wear the skin as mantic and bone as
mace in token of the episode occurred; for they symbolize egoism and maya, which
were subdued by his arrow. He agreed. So, Lord Siva is called Sattanathar - Lord of the Skin coat.
As this happened here, it was deemed holy, and so a temple was
constructed. It is called Brahmapureeswarar temple. By royal patronage, it grew up into a
major shrine of great importance. The Chola emperor Vira Rajendra and Venkatadevaraya of
Vijayanagara emperor emptied their treasures to glorify it. It contains in its compound besides this, the
famous Sambandar's shrine. And Uma Maheswar shrine in the first floor. It too
has a long legend.
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