Description
The cultural esteem of India stands distinctly in the world. It is truly said that if there is a home of God, it must be somewhere in India. The country with such a rich history and the associations with the Gods and the characteristic area of faith in the air, India has many temples to prove that. The number of temples can't be estimated and neither the faith of the devotees can be ignored. Thiruppainjeeli Neelakanteshwarar Shiva Temple stands as one of the temple to which devotees visit all around the year. This temple is also known as Melai Chidambaram.
History
Once when Vayu Bhagvan and Adideshan had a dispute between them about who is superior. They contested by Adideshan encircling the Kailasha and Vayu is trying to break the encirclement by using Twisters. This resulted in 8 kodumudigal to fall from the Kailasha into 8 different places namely Thiruchiramalai, Neerthagiri, Thiruenkoimala, Thirugonamalai, Rajathagiri, Ratnagiri, Thirukalahasti, and Thiruppainjeeli. This place is also Melai Chedambaram. There is a story that runs behind this. Once upon a time, Viyakirapatha and Pathanjali visited Kailasha to see lord Shiva dancing, but he said that he would perform Nataraj dance in Chidambaram. On the auspicious day of thaipoosam, Lord Shiva gave them the Darshan. After this incident, Vasista asked Lord Shiva that when he can see the Darshan. To this Lord Shiva answered that he would give the Nataraja Dharshan in Gneelivanamagiya Thirupainjeeli. As per the story, lord Shiva gave Darshan and performed Nataraja Dharshan to Vasista in Rathina Sabha. Even now, there is a Rathina Sabha in this temple, just like Chidambaram.
Importance/Significance
Lord Shiva is considered to be the creator and the destroyer. He is the preserver and the revealor of the world. There are no limits bound to him. He is transcendental and formless. There are many temples that are dedicated to Lord Shiva, but most of the temples, around 2500 temples are established in his name in Tamil Nadu. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most important Neelkanteshwar temples.
Facts/Mythology
The temples that have been standing for more than 1000 years, and are recognized in the Tamil Tevaram hymns are called Padal Petra Sthangal. Lord Shiva is also called Neelkantha. This is because, when the ocean's churning was in process to give all the Gods the nectar of immortality, the ocean also released a dangerous poison that would put an end to the life on Earth. As an act of benevolence, Lord Shiva drank the poison which led to the bluish color of his neck, and from then he has been referred to as lord Neelkantha.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
The devotees come in huge number on the eve on Shivratri which is celebrated in the month of (February to March). This festival is an auspicious occasion which is carried on every year. Even Navratri, takes place in the month of (September to October) it is celebrated with great zeal and fervor over here.
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