Lore in stone

The temple complex at Thirumiyachoor is a fine example of the art of the early Chola period, says S. JANARDHANAN.

"OM. Sree Matha Sree Maharangnee Sreemath Simhaneswari..."

THUS begins the "Sri Lalitha Sahasranama Sthothra". While initiating him, Lord Hayagriva told sage Agastya, that the goddess Lalithambigai ordained Vasii and other vaak devathas to chant this prayer for the benefit of her devotees. This came to be known as Rahasya Naama Sahasram. The sage was also told that he could have darshan of the goddess at Thirumiyachoor, where Surya and Aruna worshipped Lord Siva. The sage came to Thirumiyachoor where he sang the "Sri Lalitha Navarathana Mala".

Situated south of the Kaveri, two kilometres west of the Peralam railway crossing near Mayiladuthurai in Thiruvarur district, Thirumiyachoor is an ancient village with a few tiled houses. The Sannadhi Street has a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh near which stands a temple car - a mute symbol of neglect and decay.

At the western end is a large temple complex in which two temples, a Thirukkoil and an Ilamkoil are housed. Built of granite and masonry structures, the complex belongs to the early Chola period and houses several icons exquisitely carved in granite.

Entering the five-tiered raja gopuram, a dilapidated structure filled with patches of greenery, there is a big courtyard with the dwajasthambam, bali peetam and Nandi with the Sri Lalithambigai shrine on the right. The artha mandapam looks like a royal durbar hall with pillars on either side. It leads into the sanctum where the deity is seated resting her folded right leg on the seat, her left leg in Sukhasana. She holds a lotus on her right hand, her left hand with fingers folded is said to enclose Sakti (power). The five-foot high idol is installed over sri chakra.

Sree Lalithambigai is said to be in Manomani Swaroopam and hence is also known as Santha Nayaki.

A three-tier second gopuram leads into the inner prakara where Lord Meghanatha, a two-foot tall lingam, is enshrined in the Thirukkoil. King Rajendra Chola and Sembian Maadevi are said to have renovated this temple complex. Surya is believed to have worshipped Lord Siva as Gajavaroodar, seated on an elephant amidst thick clouds. Hence Lord Siva has taken the name of Meghanatha.

The corridors of the inner prakara contain lingams worshipped by the saptha mathas, the Pancha Bhoothas and the ashta dikhpalakas. Deities like Lord Subramaniya with Valli and Devasena and Gajalakshmi are also installed on the western corridor.

The Sthala Purana of Thirumiyachoor temple narrates several interesting divine episodes. Karthru and Vinathai, wives of sage Kasyapa, once prayed to Lord Siva for a child. Siva gave them an andam (egg) each. After a year, Vinathai's egg hatched and out flew a huge bird. Lord Siva told a worried Vinathai that the bird was Garuda who would be Lord Vishnu's mount.

Jealous Karthru broke open her egg from which appeared a lame boy. Lord Siva pacified her saying that the child, Aruna, would become Surya's Sarathi (driver of the chariot) and would shed light on the earth.

Later, Aruna told Surya that he wanted to visit Kailas. Surya said that Mandhikeswara would not let him enter as he was lame. But Aruna prayed to Lord Siva. With the acquired power, Aruna took the form of charming Mohini and headed towards Kailas.

En route, Indra, infatuated by Mohini's charm, molested her and Mohini gave birth to Vali. Siva pacified Aruna that Vali would derive half the strength of his enemy and would attain salvation (moksha) at Lord Vishnu's hands. Siva also cursed Indra that he would be cruelly treated by Mahabali Chakravarthi.

When Surya heard this, he wanted to see Mohini and compelled Aruna to take that form again. Surya also molested her and so was born Sugriva. Following this incident, Siva cursed Surya that he would turn black in complexion, which would disappear only if he worshipped Siva for seven months. Lord Siva told the devas that Aruna would shed light on the earth by the power of his penance. Thus, light spreads on the earth as Arunodhaya prior to Suryodhaya (sunrise).

Surya came to Thirumiyachoor, built the holy tank Surya Pushkarini. Holding erukka leaf (calatropsis), arukampul (cynadon dactylon) and cowdung on his head, Surya bathed in the holy tank and prayed to Siva for seven months. Yet his skin colour did not change.

Frustrated, Surya shouted, "Hey, Mihura!" (Thus, Lord Meghanatha came to be known as Mihura Aruneswar in Thirumiyachchoor.) This disturbed Parvathi when she was in the company of Siva. She rose to curse Surya. Siva pacified her saying that Surya shouted to get rid of his curse and if cursed again, the earth would be engulfed in total darkness. This scene is seen as Kshethrapuraneswarar at the Thirumiyachoor temple. That day, of Surya having had a bath in the holy Surya Pushkarini, is believed to be celebrated as Rathsapthami.

Every year from the 21st to the 27th day of the Tamil month of Chithrai, the sun's first rays fall on the lingam, Meghanatha, when Surya is believed to be worshipping Lord Siva in Thirumiyachoor.

During Surya's seven month stay, Sani and Yama were said to have been born as sons to Surya. Yama also worshipped Lord Siva performing 1008 Sankhabhishekham on the day of the star Sadhayam. Yama, lord of death, is considered to be the Adhidevatha of this star. Hence worshipping Lord Meghanatha on that day is believed to bestow long life. Yama is believed to have initiated King Nachiketha into the Sankhabhishekha worship of Siva.

The Tamil saints Thirugnanasambandhar and Thirunavukkarasar have sung hymns in praise of Lord Siva.

Thirumiyachoor temple is managed by the Vela Kurichi Adhenam in Tirunelveli district. The temple is being renovated.

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