Of Shiva's Discus and Vishnu's Basil, Thiruvirkudi, Ashta Veerattaanam - 4

ஒரு தவறு செய்தால், அதை தெரிந்து செய்தால்
அவன் தேவன் என்றாலும் விடமாட்டேன்

“If one commits a blunder, and he does it knowingly,

I will spare him not, even if it is God himself.”

Remember the good old lines in the song from MGR’s famous movie EngaVeetu Pillai? Yes, I agree it sounds all too conceited, but wait, isn’t that what all our Puranas talk about. Wasn’t that the crux of Nakkeerar’s dialogue with Shiva, who had come as a rich pundit, which ended with the famous line “நெற்றிக்கண் திறப்பினும் குற்றம் குற்றமே” (Even with your third eye open, you have to accept that your fault is nevertheless, a fault)? Too filmy, eh? But even in the annals of this very blog, we can see some of the penalties that were meted out to various big-shots, from Indra to Krishna and more recently, even to Yama. There are scores of such examples, but the essence of these diverse stories is the same – you commit a mistake, and you will be punished, no doubts entertained.

Interestingly, there are certain characters in the Puranas, who are never corrected by punishments, no matter how harsh they are. They go back to their dirty old ways once the dark clouds have passed. Indra tops the list of such notorious demigods. I have virtually lost count of the number of times that he has been cursed, smacked, kicked and crushed, but he relentlessly pursues trouble, and even pays for it, sometimes heavily. The story that we embark on is yet another offspring of Indra’s ‘laudable’ behavior. This time, it was absolute snobbishness and disrespect to elders that had led to his chastisement and a whole lot of nasty aftertaste. The trouble came in the form of Jalandhara.

The legend of Jalandhara can be found in at least two Puranas as also in the Mahabharatha. Each source gives a slightly different version of the tale, and I have managed to pick out the relevant similarities between the ones in Padma Purana and the Mahabharatha, and weave it out into one fine, flowing story.

It was one of those times when Indra was on one humungous ego trip. Feeling elated at his self-importance, he decided to drop by at Kailasha for a friendly tête-à-tête with Parameshwara, where he might even get a chance to rub in his all-controlling-importance into his host. So, he went through the gates of Kailasha, past Nandi, and a whole lot of Shiva-Ganas without so much as a friendly nod. Finally, when he reached the heart of the Himalayas, where beautiful icicles formed exquisitely stunning pillars, he could see neither Shiva nor Parvathi nor either of their mischievous sons. Surprised by their absence, and dismayed at the lost chance of showing-off, he turned around, only to be faced by an aged hermit sitting on the rocks. Indra couldn’t recollect seeing him on any of his earlier visits to Kailasha. Haughtily, he approached the hermit and asked, “Ahem. Who may you be and do you happen to know where Shiva is?” Silence was all that he got back.

Now, the king of demigods was not used to being ignored, and especially, not by a lowly hermit. He repeated the question, this time, through gritted teeth. Silence again.

Fury surged through Indra, and with one quick move, he lashed out his Vajrayudha (thunderbolt) and hurled it towards the hermit. The Vajrayudha struck the hermit’s head with the momentum of a giant meteor, and crumbled to pieces. Indra hardly had the time to gasp at the sight of his powerful weapon disintegrating in front of his very eyes, when the aged hermit bounced up with the agility of a seasoned acrobat. Through the haze of all the crumbling dust, Indra could just make out the emergence of a glorious flame from the center of the hermit’s forehead. The third-eye of Shiva!

Indra was horrified on realizing what he had done. He had actually STRUCK Shiva, the sole sustainer of the universe, with his dratted (now destroyed) Vajrayudha, and he was going to pay for it big-time. His ego flew out of the window, as did all his snobbishness and dreams of a pleasant rendezvous. In a moment, he went from being vertical to lying perfectly horizontal, his hands stretched out, as he attempted to perform an Ashtanga Namaskaara (A yogic posture of submission in which eight (Ashta) parts (Angas) of the body touch the ground – the two feet, two knees, chest, forehead and two palms) to Shiva.

अन्यथा शरणं नास्ति त्वमेव शरणं मम | 

तस्मात्कारुण्यभावेन रक्षरक्ष परमेश्वर ||

"I have no refuge but your lotus feet my lord, 

I seek your compassion alone. Protect me, Oh Maheshwara”

As easily pleased, as angered (and hence named Ashuthosha – the one who is easily pleased), Shiva forgave Indra. “Again Indra, let this add yet another chapter to the tome entitled ‘How not to behave with your Boss!’, that we can possibly write out of all your mistakes. It is high time you learnt to behave like the king of the demigods, and not like an immature teenager.” With that, he wiped out the strings of sweat that had sprung up due to the heat of his anger, and shook his now sweaty forefinger. The pearls of sweat, that had adorned the brows of Maheshwara, fell into the vast stretches of the Milk-Ocean, and in a flash, took the shape of an Asura baby boy. As the baby lay on the milky tides, crying loudly, in sync with the bobbing motion of the ocean, the ocean king, Samudra Raajan, gently caressed the boy with his tender wave-like fingers, and took him to Brahma for his Nama-Karana (Christening ceremony).

Feeling extremely proud of his newborn child, Samudra Raajan placed him on Brahma’s lap. Brahma looked down on the tiny-tot with his kind eyes, his lush-white beard flowing down from his four heads. Tickled by the movements of the long beard, the infant tugged at the few hairs that were sticking out at the bottom of the beard. “Ouch!” yelled Brahma. Tears immediately welled up from his eyes, ran down his cheeks and landed on the baby. That must have been one strong child.

Now, this was too much water to be associated with one person. He was born out of sweat that fell into the ocean and here, he even managed to get himself ‘drenched’ with Brahma’s tears. Brahma smiled, and safely tucking his beard away, he once again looked down at the child. “Jalandhara!” he announced, “He will henceforth be known as Jalandhara.” (Jalandhara can be split two ways - (a) Jala (water)+Andhar (within) = He who was born within the waters, and (b) Jalan (water) + Dhara (stream) = He who created a stream of water, which might be an indirect reference to the generous tear glands of Brahma)

Thus named, Jalandhara was brought up by his foster-father, Samudra Raajan, in a lavish and loving manner. Over the years, he was trained in all the 64 forms of arts that the ancient traditions upheld, and he excelled in every single one of them. Though he was always surrounded by many Devas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Apsaras, and Kinkaras, his joy quadrupled every time an occasional Asura came to visit his father’s court – strong blood ties I guess. Eventually, his Asuric qualities dominated his decisions, and soon he crossed over to the dark side. It was not long before his exceptional leadership qualities, extraordinary strength, and razor-sharp instinct came to the notice of the Asura elders. Envisioning the grand future of the Asura clan in Jalandhara, they crowned him to be the king of the Daityas. They also got him married to Brindha, the surprisingly pious daughter of Kaalanemi, yet another Asura vassal.

Before starting his reign over the Asuras, Jalandhara felt that it was necessary for him to insure his life against the many wars that he was about to wage. So off he went to a peaceful forest to begin his penance towards Brahma. The Creator, as such easily satisfied, was even more so pleased with the penance of the boy whom he had christened. Hardly any time had passed since Jalandhara had sat down for his penance, when Brahma appeared before him, all beaming and proud (with his beard tucked away of course!). “And what are your needs today, my son?” he asked, in a singsong voice.

Jalandhara did not beat about the bush, and came straight to the crux. “I know that you will not grant me the boon of immortality.” Brahma nodded in agreement, all his 128 teeth on display. “Then, let it be that I die only when my wife Brindha, the best of the Pathivrathas that I have seen, foregoes her vow of chastity. Only when she entertains the thought of being with another man, even for the most fleeting of moments, should I become vulnerable to death.” Brahma frowned at the Asura’s absolute confidence in his wife’s utter devotion to him. Nevertheless, he granted the boon that was asked for, and returned to Satyaloka.

Jalandhara returned to the Asura kingdom from the forests, haughty and proud at his newly obtained boon. Almost immediately, he launched an attack on the palatial slopes of the Meru Mountain, where the Devas dwelt, amidst the pleasures of lavish wealth, rich food, and mouth-dropping-beautiful Apsaras. It was payback time for Indra’s behavior with the wise old hermit atop Kailasha, long-long ago.

Indra was driven out from his grand castle and Jalandhara seized the possession of the 16 exquisite treasures which had materialized during the churning of the Milk Ocean, including the Kalpaka Vriksha, Airavatha, and many of the Apsaras. Vishnu rushed to the help of the Devas, mounted on Garuda, but only in vain. The chastity of Brindha made it impossible to even make a single scratch on Jalandhara’s body. The Devas led by Vishnu, eventually retreated from Meru, after several thousand years of war.

In next to no time, Jalandhara marched over to Vaikuntha, and Sathyaloka, and captured them too. Even Vishnu and Brahma were forced to flee from their abodes, helpless against the immeasurable valour of Jalandhara and the unshakeable chastity of his wife.

Now, there was but one refuge that was still available. The Devas, led by Indra, Brahma and Vishnu, scuttled to Kailasha and sought asylum at the lotus feet of Shiva. “Mahadeva!” said Vishnu, “It is time to put an end to the atrocities caused by your own son. Pious, though he was, and though born from your very sweat, he is terrorizing the three worlds. The Devas have known no peace ever since he became the Asura king. You alone are capable of coming up with a solution.”

Shiva gave a throaty chuckle. “Narayana, the Devas are paying back for the deeds of their ‘virtuous’ king. What has been sowed must be reaped. Besides, you know that I can do nothing in his case. The boon that was granted to him makes me powerless before his wife, and I do not see her throwing away her chastity any time in the near future. Also, she happens to be one of your greatest devotees, Oh Madhava. Every time her husband goes to war, Brindha meditates on you, ceaselessly, so that no harm comes to him. So pure is her devotion that you were not able to raise your arms against Jalandhara, even when he invaded Vaikuntha.” Vishnu raised a quizzical eyebrow, which Shiva conveniently ignored. “Jalandhara chose his boon well. This is not a mere war of might, but also a war of the intellect. We have to think before we proceed.” Saying so, Shiva rested his face on one of his hands, while with the other he vigorously scratched his matted locks, rattling his head for a brainwave.

The Devas stared in dismay at this hopeless exchange of information between two of their foremost saviors. Did this mean that they have to endure the torture of the Asuras till the end of their lives, which would be like forever, because the Amrutha from the Milk-Ocean had made them immortal?

Suddenly, Shiva jerked up from the self-imposed reverie, a wide smile on his face. With his eyes, he summoned Vishnu to come closer, and started whispering into his ear. Vishnu listened patiently, his eyebrows rising with every passing second, until they disappeared right into his crown. Once or twice, he shook his head vigorously, and attempted to walk away, but Shiva pulled him back every time. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to the distraught Devas, Vishnu nodded, and the two ended their whispering conference. Shiva still had the grin on his face, but Vishnu looked like he could do with some cheering up. “The problem will be resolved, Oh Devas. You will soon be able to return back to your very own palaces, but until then, you are all welcome to stay on the beautiful slopes of the Himalayas.” said Shiva, dispersing the assembly.

It was not long before the news, of the Devas seeking sanctuary at Kailasha, reached the ears of Jalandhara. He roared with laughter. “So the cowards have finally sought the asylum of Shiva? I will go there this very moment and pulverize the whole of Kailasha.” he yelled. Brindha came running out of her chambers at the sound of her husband’s lunatic laughs. “No Swami!” she pleaded. “Please do not risk your life by going to war against Mahadeva. I have been seeing terrible omens all day. My right eye, shoulder, and thigh, have been throbbing all morning. Please don’t leave to Kailasha today.” But Jalandhara turned a deaf ear to all her pleas. When the end is near, one’s senses tend to go berserk, and refuse to take in a good word, or two. Jalandhara too, became a prey to the plays of time. Feeling conceited about his extraordinary powers and unmatchable strength, he marched onto Kailasha, all alone.

Upon hearing the news of Jalandhara’s intended attack on Kailasha, Shiva transformed himself into an old hermit once again, and stationed himself at the gates of his mountain palace. Jalandhara approached the gates, like a bull in rage. Shiva calmly stepped onto the middle of the path, blocking his progress. Jalandhara stared at the puny hermit and growled, “Who may you be to block me?”

“I am one of the many hermits who live here, hoping to be blessed with a vision of the Lord on his bull, before I breathe my last” replied the hermit. “But, what brings you to the gates of Kailasha today? You seem like a king - a very angry one at that.”

“I heard that the king of Devas has wimped out and sought refuge at Kailasha. I plan to drag him out, and kill him, and with him, all the Devas too.” said Jalandhara.

“But they have been granted sanctuary by Shiva himself. He will surely come to the rescue of the Devas. What will you do then?” asked the hermit, in a voice laced with so much concern that it actually sounded true.

“Aaah! Then we just have to assume that it is a very bad day for Shiva too, don’t we? Now get out of my way, before I blast you to the side.”

“Relax, oh great king. If you don’t mind, I would like to test your self-bragged prowess before you advance to wage a war against the great god. If you pass my test, I am sure that you would triumph against Shiva. What say?” cajoled the hermit-who-was-Shiva.

Jalandhara rolled his eyes at the puny hermit in front of him. “Whatever!” he said, and accepted the challenge.

In the meanwhile, Vishnu prepared himself to set the ball rolling on the other half of Shiva’s grandiose plan. It had taken a long time for him, to bring himself to do it. He took deep breaths and consoled himself from time to time, whispering softly. “It’s all for the Greater Good… for the Greater Good… Greater Good.”

Slowly, he took the form of Jalandhara. “Urghhh! It feels positively nasty to be an Asura.” he thought out aloud. Then, bracing himself for all the possible after-effects, he barged into Jalandhara’s palace. “Brindha! Oh Brindha!” he yelled, “I am back.” Relief flooded Brindha’s heart on hearing her husband’s voice, and she jumped up from her Vishnu-Dhyana. Rushing outside, she threw her arms around Jalandhara’s (Vishnu’s) frame, and hugged him in a tight embrace. Jalandhara’s protection shattered instantly. His wife had embraced another man! Target achieved.

Back at Kailasha, the real Jalandhara stood towering over the hermit, who had challenged him to an exhibition of strength. Leisurely, the old hermit inscribed a circle on the ground with the big toe of his right foot. Jalandhara sighed. His patience was fast reaching its limits.

The hermit admired his handiwork (rather ‘footiwork’) for some time, and looked up at Jalandhara. “There you go. If you are able to break apart this disc of earth, and lift it over your head, then I am sure that victory would be yours - anywhere, anytime, and against any person.”

Jalandhara smirked at the ridiculousness of the task. Dusting his hands, he bent down to break the circular piece of earth.  It was hard and dirty work, but Jalandhara finally managed to break away the disc, and with great effort he raised it over his head, panting heavily like a dog in pursuit. At that moment, as Jalandhara stood upright, proudly savouring his triumph, the hermit revealed his true form. With one subtle chuckle, Shiva transformed the disc of earth into a deadly-looking discus and forced it through Jalandhara’s body. Blood splattered over Shiva, as the two lifeless halves of Jalandhara’s body fell to the ground. The glorious discus flew back into the hands of Shiva, its task complete. It was finally over. Jalandhara was dead.

Jalandhara Vadham

The moment Jalandhara’s soul fled from his mortal body, Brindha, by the virtue of her true devotion to her husband, came to know of the whole grand plan that was schemed up by Shiva and meticulously executed by Vishnu. The great Vishnu, whom she had come to believe as her sole savior, her greatest hope, and her only solace while Jalandhara went crazy with wars, had now tricked her into widowhood. Disgusted, she broke away from the clasp of the illusionary Jalandhara, her blood boiling with rage and shame. Vishnu too realized that the game was up, and he assumed his original form, smiling meekly.

As Brindha looked up at the mighty, four-armed God who stood before her, her rage burst out spontaneously, and she hurled a curse at Vishnu. “Oh Madhava! What is this that you have done? I placed all my trust upon you and the unbreachable security offered by your sacred name. I believed that you would bless me with a long and contented married-life, and every single day, I invoked that goddess, who resides in the lotus of your very heart, to grant me the same eternal-bondage that she enjoys with you. But now, you have let me down with your cheap acts of trickery. Oh Mayava! Is this what true devotion begets? Is this how you reward those who have faith in you? I don’t deserve this, and you don’t get to stand there, smiling at your victory, while I endure this suffering. If it is true that I have been faithful to my husband all my life, if it is true that I have never swerved away from my devotion to you, then, let it be so that you too will, one day, experience the same grief that is tearing me apart from the insides this very moment.” Saying so, she rushed out of her palace, and jumped into the fire that was consuming her husband’s mortal remains. As her soul fled towards Vaikuntha, the Gods and Demigods lined up in the skies to catch a glimpse of that great Pathivratha, whose intense devotion had prevented even Shiva and Vishnu from laying a finger on her husband.  Brindha had attained a permanent place on the list of some of the chastest women in Indian heritage, along the ranks of Seetha, Mandodari and Anusuya.

Brindha / Tulasi Devi

As the three worlds celebrated the fall of Jalandhara, Vishnu retired to Vaikuntha in silence. His heart was heavy with guilt at the treachery that he had just committed to one of his foremost devotees. The guilt burned him from within, until he could take it no longer, and he dashed to Kailasha. Realizing Vishnu’s pitiable condition, Maheshwara planted a seed in the ashes of Brindha. In a flash, the seed germinated and a plant burst out from the ashes – giving rise to the very first Brindha plant, more commonly referred to as the Tulasi or the Holy Basil.

Shiva himself strung a beautiful garland from the leaves of the plant and placed it around Vishnu’s neck. As the very first leaves of the garland caressed his dark blue skin, the burning sensation subsided instantaneously, and Vishnu let out a loud sigh of relief. Shiva smiled at his ‘partner-in-crime’ and said, “Narayana, I perfectly understand your present mind-set, but you should come to terms with the fact that this is an occupational hazard that comes with the position. We may destroy to protect, but only rarely do we protect to destroy. What we planned and executed was for the greater good of the universe, and if someone had to be sacrificed in the process, well, then that is the way it is meant to be so.”

ஒரு நாட்டைக்  காக்க ஒரு ஊரையே தியாகம் செய்யலாம்

ஒரு ஊரைக் காக்க ஒரு குடும்பத்தையே தியாகம் செய்யலாம்

ஒரு குடும்பத்தைக் காக்க ஒரு குடும்ப நபரை தியாகம் செய்யலாம்,

இதுவே உசிதம்.

“To save a country, an entire city can be sacrificed.

To save a city, an entire family can be sacrificed.

To save a family, a single member from the family can be sacrificed.

And this approach alone is the most apt.”

-An excerpt from Chanakya’s Arthashastra

[Though the Padma Purana and the Mahabharatha end their versions of Jalandhara’s story right here, some Shaivite legends go onto narrate the story of Shiva giving away the newly created discus to MahaVishnu.]

As time passed, Vishnu, who had always desired a powerful weapon to carry on with his duty of the universal-sustainer, now started to covet the Chakra that Shiva had used to kill Jalandhara. Knowing that the best way to lay his hands on the Chakra is Rudra-Prassanna (Causing the happiness of Rudra), he decided to worship Shiva with a 1008 lotuses, offering a blossom at the chanting of each of the 1008 names of Mahesha. Immediately, he set forth to collect the flowers and other objects that were required for worship. Then, choosing a suitable spot, he started his worship, with MahaLakshmi sitting beside him, handing him the lotus blossoms.

 “Om Shivaya Namaha!(1)

Om Haraaya Namaha!(2)

Om Mridaya Namaha!(3)

…

…

Om Anarthitaaya Namaha!(1005)

Om Agunaaya Namaha!(1006)”

As Vishnu reached out to take the 1007^th lotus, he realized that he was touching Lakshmi’s bare fingers. There were no more blossoms left to offer. He glanced at Lakshmi, and saw that she was as surprised as he was. How could it be? He had personally counted the 1008 lotus blossoms into the flower basket, and that too, with great care. But now he was short of two and time was fast running out.

Vishnu receives the Chakra

It was then that he was reminded of the many epithets that his devotees praised him with. Aravindaaksha! Kamalanayana! Pushkaraaksha! Padma-Nibhekshana! - All of them hailing him as the possessor of two eyes that were as beautiful as freshly-bloomed lotuses. Without hesitating any further, he grabbed his sword, Nandaka, plucked out his eyes and offered it to Shiva. Immediately, Shiva appeared before him and restored his eyes. “Narayana! I am extremely pleased with your devotion and your intense sense of sacrifice. I had intentionally hidden the lotus flowers to test you. You surpassed my expectations. I am elated to give you the object that you seek.” Saying so, he handed over the Chakra to MahaVishnu. “Henceforth, this Chakra will be as inseparable from you as you are from me. Use it well.” And that is how the Sudarshana Chakra came to Vishnu, at least according to certain legends.

The legend of Jalandhara and his death is eulogized in the southern shrine of Thiruvirkudi, where the Lord is worshipped in his form as the Vanquisher of Jalandhara. The temple-town is the next stop on our tour of the Ashta Veerattaanas and is conveniently located near the yet-another-famous temple town of Thiruvaroor. The presiding deity is Veerattaaneshwarar, while the Goddess goes by the name of Elavaarkuzhali/Parimalaabigai. The shrine has been praised in the Thevaram by Thirugnana Sambandhar, and hence, is also one of the 274 Paada Petra Thalangal in Tamil Nadu. The main temple is situated amidst lush-green vegetation, on an island between two rivers. Since the mound of earth between the two rivers, on which the temple stands, resembles the ear of a cow, the place is also known as Gokarnam (Go-cow, Karna-Ear). The temple is graced by a five-storied Raja Gopuram which faces the Chakra Theertha that lies before the entrance. Past the ornate entry doors is a beautiful Mandapa supported on pillars that boast of exquisitely carved sculptures. The outer prakaara also houses a Brindhavana, a Tulasi garden, where it is believed that Maheshwara planted the seed to give rise to Tulasi. Adjacent to the Brindhavana is a small sub-temple which is claimed to be the place where Vishnu worshipped Shiva to cure him of his burden of guilt. Incidentally, Tulasi happens to be the Sthala-Vriksha at Thiruvirkudi. Thiruvirkudi is also one of the very few Shiva-Kshetras where the Lord is worshipped with Tulasi, rather than the more commonly used Bilva.

Jalandharaari

The inner Prakara houses the central shrine dedicated to Veerattaaneshwarar, a swayambhu Linga mounted on a square pedestal. The Goddess’s shrine is located to the left and is preceded by yet another Mandapa, into the ceiling of which is carved a wheel inset with the twelve signs of the Zodiac. The Gomukhi from the Goddess’s shrine, which conducts the Abhisheka water, is also carved such that it is shown to be supported by a beautiful woman. Immediately next to the Goddess’s shrine is the room where the processional deities are safeguarded. Occupying the central position is a brass Utsavar idol of Jalandharaari/ Jalandhara Vadha Moorthi, also known by the name of Veerattaaneshwarar. The idol is one of its kind, where the Lord is shown to be in a standing posture, bearing the discus in his lower right arm, and his lower left arm depicting the Ayudha-Mudra (Scissor hand-posture). In his upper two hands, he holds the deer and the goad. Special poojas are held for Jalandhara Vadha Moorthi during all major festivals in the temple. The rest of the temple is replete with small shrines to other deities such as Ganesha, Subramanya, Mahaakshmi, Surya, etc. Also, apart from the Chakra Theertha in front of the temple, there is also the Shankha Theertha, which is located behind the temple

The temple acts as a Parikaara Sthala for Vaasthu. People who encounter difficulties during the planning and construction of their dream homes, often come to the temple, take a brick from the premises, and use it as a part of their construction. Devotees also throng to the shrine to offer worship that would rid them, as well as their ancestors, of any curse that may have befallen their dynasty. Such pilgrims bathe at the Chakra Theertha and worship Jalandharaari to rid them of their curses.

Virkudi Gopuram

Thiruvirkudi is also believed to be the place where the broken bow of Vishnu fell, when the Devas took the form of termites and gnawed away at the bowstring to awaken Vishnu, who was in his Yoga-Nidra. For this reason, the place is also referred to as Dhanushapuram in the Puranas. Certain verses in the Mahabharatha also point to Thiruvirkudi as being the secret place where Arjuna had hidden his powerful weapons during the year long incognito hiding, immediately following the 12 years of exile. It is believed that Shiva himself had directed Arjuna to the shrine at Thiruvirkudi, and had also granted him a boon that the weapons would appear as snakes and other dangerous reptiles to anyone else other than the Pandavas. The erstwhile presence of the Pandava bows could be yet another reason to name the town as Dhanushapuram.

The temple celebrates all the major festivals on the Hindu calendar, though I am unsure if there is a separate festival that commemorates the killing of Jalandhara, like at the other Veerattaana Shrines. Devotees throng to the temple in large number during the festivals; else it is a calm and crowd-free place, situated in serene surroundings, that makes it an ideal location for a quiet spiritual retreat.

Thiruvirkudi is easily accessible from both Mayiladuthurai and Thiruvaroor. Buses and other forms of public transport are abundantly available, that take pilgrims all the way to the temple entrance.

எங்கும் கலந்தும்என் உள்ளத் தெழுகின்ற
அங்க முதல்வன் அருமறை யோதிபாற்
பொங்குஞ் சலந்தரன் போர்செய்ய நீர்மையின்
அங்கு விரற்குறித் தாழிசெய் தானே.  – திருமூலர்

“He who pervades all, as also my heart he fills with joy,

He who spoke out the very Vedas and our Scriptures,

Him did the haughty Jalandhara challenge to a duel,

And in the toe-marked circle did he see the monster’s end.”

-Thirumoolar

Notes:

1.    The legend of Tulasi is narrated differently in the several different Puranas available. I have chosen a version that easily blends with the Sthalapurana of Thiruvirkudi. However, whatever the reason maybe, Tulasi is considered to be one of the best offerings that one can make to Mahavishnu. Additionally, performing Tulasi archana to Shiva on Mondays is believed to bestow one with good health.

2.  The curse of Brindha was one of the many reasons for the Raamavataara, in which Vishnu was forcefully separated from his beloved wife, and consequently had to endure much suffering and torture. Again, certain other sources claim that Brindha had cursed Vishnu to turn into a stone, and hence Vishnu was forced to take the form of Salagrama – the sacred stones that are found on the banks of the Gandaki River in Nepal.

3.   It is believed that Jalandhara had built his palaces in the Northern reaches of Bharathavarsha. The place is today know as Jalandhar in his memory, and is a major industrial hub in Punjab.

Chakrapradha Moorthi

4.     Thiruveezhimizhalai, is a neighbouring town of Thiruvirkudi, where the Chakrapradha Moorthi of Shiva is worshipped. Here, even today, one can see the single eye that was offered by Vishnu, at the feet of the Linga. Hence, the presiding deity is known by the name of Nethraarpaneshwarar. Also, the processional deity is shown to be in a seated posture, with Parvathi at his side, in the act of giving the Chakra to Vishnu.The sacred tank in the temple was created by Vishnu himself and is hence known as Vishnu Theertha.

5.      It is believed that the soul of Jalandhara, remained on the earth for a long period of time, yearning for Moksha (liberation). The soul established a Shiva Linga at Kanchi, and offered regular worship, until the Lord finally took pity and merged the soul with him. The Linga worshipped by Jalandhara is now enshrined in the temple of Jalandharesam, a few miles away from the Ekambareshwarar temple at Kanchipuram.

Jalandhara Vadha Moorthi

6.      Jalandharaari is often depicted in certain texts in a manner that is quite different from the processional deity at Thiruvirkudi. He is shown to be a tall-reddish hued, terrifying, three-eyed, man, carrying an umbrella in his right hand and a water-pot, Kamandala, in his left. Next to him stands Jalandhara, yellowish in colour, bearing the Chakra between his hands, and a sword hanging from his waist. This form of Jalndharaari is a closer match with the description of the hermit, who had met Jalandhara at the gates of Kailasha.