Gangavaraga Nadheeswarar Temple, Thirukanji, Villianur – Legends

Gangavaraga Nadheeswarar Temple, Thirukanji, Villianur – Legends

Gangavaraga Nadheeswarar:

This temple has got the name of the river on the bank it exists. Gangai + Varaga + Nadhi + Eswarar = Gangavaraga Nadheeswarar. Varaga Nadhi flowing here is considered as Gangai and it decorates the Eswarar here.

Greater than Kasi:

As per the legend, once a priest was going to Kasi to dissolve his parents Asthi on ganga river. When he reached this place, Asthi became flowers and also, he heard a divine voice stating that this place was more powerful than Kasi. Based on this, he dissolved his parents Asthi in Varaha Nadi and worshipped Lord Shiva. From then, this temple is famous for doing Pitru Tharpan. It is also noted that Lord Rama did Shrardha ceremony for his father during his Vanavasa here. Even today, doing Ammavasai Tharpanam here is considered a higher boon than doing it in Kashi.

Equivalent to Ganga:

Among the temples Gangai Varaga Nadheeswarar Temple located at Thiru Kanchi in Puducherry named after this river Varaga Nathi. The name suggests that this river Sankaraparani has the same power as of Gangai Nathi (The River Ganges) as per Hindu Mythology. The River is also called Uthara Vahini here as it flows in the northern direction.

Agastheeswaram:

Sage Agasthiyar visited this temple and worshiped the Lord here and hence visiting this temple is equal to visiting Kasi temple in north India. Also, it is believed that sage Agasthya sculpted and installed the Lingam here. Since Agasthiyar worshipped Lord Shiva, this temple is also called as Agastheeswaram.

Rahu and Kethu Worshipped Lord Shiva here:

Rahu and Kethu Worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple here.

Thirukanji:

This place is considered equivalent to Kasi. Hence it is called as Thiru Kasi and later got corrupted to Thirukanji.