The Miracle of the Leaning Shivalinga
A devoted girl named Thadaga once came to offer a garland to Shiva. As she was placing it around the Shivalinga, her upper garment slipped. Holding it with one hand, she found it difficult to place the garland with the other.
Moved by the pure devotion of His devotee, Shiva lovingly bent His neck, allowing Thadaga to adorn Him with the garland. From that day, the Shivalinga remained in a leaning posture.
Later, a Chola king tried to straighten the Lingam. Even powerful elephants could not move it. Then came the great Nayanmar saint Kungiliya Kalaya Nayanar. Chanting the sacred Panchakshara – “Namah Shivaya”, he tied one end of a flower-covered rope to the Shivalinga and the other around his own neck. He was ready to sacrifice his very life to restore the Linga’s position.
Overwhelmed by such supreme devotion, Shiva finally yielded to His beloved devotee and straightened Himself.
The temple is also associated with Mother Durga, Oordhva Thandavar, the sacred Brahmma Theertham, and many great Saivite saints and poets who sang the glory of Shiva.
When devotion is pure, even the Almighty bends before the love of His devotee.
Sri Arunajadeswarar Temple (Thadagai Iswarar Temple)
Sri Arunajadeswarar Temple,
Thirupanandal,
Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk,
Thanjavur District,
Tamil Nadu – 612504, India
