Sundareswarar Temple, Uzhavarkarai – Legends

Sundareswarar Temple, Uzhavarkarai – Legends

Agastheeswaram:

During Lord Shiva’s marriage, everyone in the universe went to witness the event in the Himalayas, in the North. Bhumi Devi (the Earth Goddess) was not able to bear this misbalance and prayed to Lord Shiva for help, who then told Agastya to go to the south end. Sage Agastya went to the south and the earth’s balance was restored. During his journey, he visited this place, installed a Shiva Linga and worshipped it. Sage Agastya set up his ashram in this place and performed severe penance on Lord Shiva. As Agastya worshipped Lord Shiva in this place, this place came to be called as Agastheeswaram and Lord Shiva came to be called as Agastheeswarar.

Bhoodhapureeswarar:

As Bhooda Ganas worshipped Lord Shiva here, Agastheeswarar was also called as Bhoodhapureeswarar during ancient times. The temple housing the Linga was located in Dharumapuri situated between Uzhavarkarai and Villianur. As the temple got dilapidated and destroyed, the Linga was removed and placed in Sundareswarar Temple

Uthirakarai:

As Uthira Nakshatra bathed in the waters in the pond situated beside the temple and worshipped Lord Shiva here. This place came to be called as Uthirakarai now got corrupted to Uzhavarkarai.

Ozhukarai:

Uzhavarkarai was called as Ozhukarai in ancient times because the water was continuously leaking through the bank in this place.

People worshiped Lord Shiva here:

It is believed that Lord Shiva was worshipped by Uthira Nakshatra, Agasthya and Bhoodha Ganas.