Saptha Kannikas, the Seven Virgins prayed to Lord Shiva to protect them from the sins caused by killing demon Doomralochana. Lord Shiva is believed to be their security in this place. He also destroyed the demon. Devotees consider Mother Chamundi here as Mother Durga. Hence, there is no special shrine for Mother Durga. Worships to Mother Durga are offered in Shiva shrine itself. Pujas during Rahukala time are performed to Lord Shiva and Mother Durga simultaneously.
Lord Shiva graces as Vamadeva Swyambu (facing north). Cauvery flows in front of the temple. Remembering the occasion of Lord Shiva granting darshan to the Saptha Kannikas, Lord visits Cauvery with Mother Ambica. Also Lords of 7 Shiva temples around the place visit Cauvery the same day, same time. It is a rare opportunity for the devotees to worship 8 Lord Shivas simultaneously. The first part of Aipasi Tula Snanam (bathing in Cauvery in October-November is followed devotionally here with Kalai Kadambar (morning) Sokkar (midday) and Eengoinathar (evening) worships. Morning worship is considered very beneficial
with multiple profits including the one of worshipping the Lord in Kasi in north. The place also has the reputation of being called Dakshina Kasi – Kasi of South.
Mother Muttrila Mulai Ammai graces from a shrine facing east. Paramanathar is the guardian deity of this shrine with his hand on the forehead in a saluting form. People perform abishek to Paramanathar with honey and offer porridge made of Pasi corn, praying Him to be a guardian of their houses too.
Lord Muruga worshipped Lord Shiva here for washing off the sin caused by killing of demon Surapanma. He graces from a shrine in the prakara with His consorts Valli and Deivanai with His six faces, described by Saint Arunagiriar as Lord of six military camps attributed to Him. Lord Lingodhbava is on the Sanctum Koshta-wall around the shrine.
There are two Natarajas with Muyalagan under one and one without. Crescent moon shines on the head. |