Famous Temples in India

Religious Significance

The Agazhi (a deep and broad water body letting crocodiles inside specially constructed around castles and palaces to prevent easy access to enemies) dug by Banasura still exists here. Banasura belongs to the demon community. His mother was Madhiniar and She was a staunch Lord Shiva devotee. To facilitate his mother’s Shiva puja, Banasura was bringing many swayambu lingas. He once came to Thirupugalur and found countless lingas. He found a swayambulinga but could not move it. He dug a deep and vast Agazhi around the temple and tried to move the linga again but in vain, except that the Agazhi was full of water springing from the ground. He decided to end himself in frustration. A voice from the sky told Banasura, “I will make myself present for your mother’s Shiva puja”. Lord in the name of Konapiran with Punnai flowers on his head, appeared before his mother. After the puja was over, lord returned to Thirupugalur. This is the birth place of Muruga Nayanar who worshipped Varthamaneswarar offering garlands made by him. He has three faces – human, bird and a swine. As devas sought asylum here for protection from the threats of demons, the place is also praised as Pugazhoor.