Famous Temples in India

Religious Significance

Story behind the name “Thiruvadanai”: Vaaruni is the son of Varuna the god of rain. One day he stayed in the Ashram of Sage Durvasa who was in deep meditation. Vaaruni’s friends played there using the fruits and flowers in the ashram and disturbed the penance of the Sage. The angry Sage cursed Vaaruni for his deed to become a strange creature with the head of a Goat (Aja) and body of an Elephant (Gaja). In Tamil the name will be Aadu (Goat) and Aanai (Elephant), hence the name of the place Thiru Aadu Aanai – Thiruvadanai. Vaaruni realized his folly. Sages nearby suggested that he should go to this temple in the Pandya kingdom, pray to Lord Shiva for his remedy. Vaaruni followed the advice. Lord appeared before him and enquired of his wish. Vaaruni in his Aja Gaja (Aadu-Yanai) form begged the lord that his life should be a lesson to those behaving badly towards respectful elders and that this place should be known as Thiruvadanai till the end of Kaliyuga. Lord granting his wish, the place came to be known with the suffix Thiru Aadu Aanai – Thiruvadanai.

Surya worshipping Adhi Rathneswarar: Sun was very proud of his radiating power. When the brightness on Lord rose up, Nandhi the bull vehicle of the Lord drew it, the Sun losing his brightness. Sun begged Nandhi to show him the solution. Nandi advised Sun to worship Lord of Thiruvadanai installing him on a seat made of sapphire gems for remedy. Sun being the Adhi-first among the nine planets worshipped Lord Shiva Adhi Rathneswarar as suggested. When abishek is performed on the Lord, He turns blue. Sage Brighu (Brighu Munivar) is also said to have worshiped the Lord here.

Arjuna getting knowledge of using Pasupatha Asthra : During their exile, Pandavas brother Arjuna got the pasupatha missile from Lord Shiva. He was asked by the lord to come to Thiruvadanai to know how to use the weapon. As a mark of his bhakti, Arjuna installed the Somaskanda in the temple, according to a story.