Thirukameswarar Temple, Villianur – Legends

Thirukameswarar Temple, Villianur – Legends

Vilwanallur:

The significance of the temple relates to the history of a Chola King Dharmabala Chozhan ruling Kamalapuri then who suffered from leprosy due to his Karma in his previous birth. He worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple and got cured. He created a town here which was earlier a forest of Vilwa trees and constructed a temple and named the place Vilwanallur which in course of time changed as Villianur. The temple has a mention in Thevaram hymns.

Brahma got relieved of his curse by worshipping Lord Shiva here:

Once, Lord Vishnu and Brahmma wanted to establish their supremacy over the other and asked Shiva to decide the issue. Lord Shiva said that the one who would find his feet and crown would be the winner. Brahmma played a trick and had to incur a curse. When Brahmma prayed to Lord Shiva for the relief, he was advised to grow Vilwa trees on the banks of River Mutharu in the Thondaimandalam region and worship Lord Shiva for the release. Brahmma followed the advice of Lord Shiva and got him released from the curse.

Lord Shiva darshan to Lord Vishnu on Poornima Day:

Lord Shiva graced his darshan to Lord Vishnu here on a Poornima day falling on a Sunday. Following this event, devotees throng the temple on Poornima days (Full Moon day) falling on Sundays hoping that the darshan would bring them the boon they seek.

People worshipped Lord Shiva here:

Lord Brahmma, Lord Narasimha, Indira, Sun, Adisesha (the divine snake), Cupid (Manmatha), Moon, King Dharmabala, Sakalanga Soundari, Govindan and others had worshipped in this temple.