Bheemeswarar Temple, Omandhur – Legends

Bheemeswarar Temple, Omandhur – Legends

Pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva here:

During their exile, the Pandavas came to a place called Minnur Kadu. Hungry Dharmaputra asked his brother Bheema to get some food for all. Bheema could not find food but a Shiva Linga and begged for food. Lord arranged milk for them. The brothers prayed to Lord that all people should be blessed with food as he graced them. As Lord was worshipped by Bheema, He came to be praised as Bheemeswarar in this temple. It is strongly believed that those worshipping Lord Bheemeswarar would never have to suffer from hunger.

Bheemeswarar:

According to another version of the story, Lord was worshipped by Bheema one of the Ekadasa Rudras and Bheemanatha the security in Mount Kailash on the southwest direction, hence praised as Bheemeswarar.

Palambigai:

As Ambika offered milk to Bheema and his brothers to quench their hunger, she is praised as Palambigai – Paal in Tamil means milk. Minnur forest area where the Pandavas stayed then is the present Tindivanam.

Omandur:

Ohm is the first mantra of our scriptures praised as Pranava Mantra. Andhur means the musical sound of the anklet. Pleased with the penance of Maharshis, Lord performed his Anandha dance (Anandha Thandavam). The melodious sound of his anklet was first heard in this place – Ohm Andhur – Omandur.