Parvatheeswarar Temple

The temple is steeped in legends that enhance its spiritual significance. It is believed that Goddess Parvathi, Lord Brahma, Lord Indra, Saint Markandeya, Arjuna, and Lord Suryan have worshiped Lord Shiva here.

One prominent legend revolves around Lord Suryan and his wife, Chaya Devi. Saddened by her husband's lack of affection, Chaya Devi's plight was brought to her father's attention by Sage Narada. Enraged, her father cursed Lord Suryan, causing him to lose his radiance. To seek relief, Suryan visited several temples, eventually arriving at this place. Here, he created a spring and worshiped Lord Parvatheeswarar, who answered his prayers and restored his glory. Since Lord Suryan is also known as Bhaskara, the presiding deity here is revered as Bhaskara Lingam, and the place is called Bhaskara Sthalam. It is also believed that every year, from the 13th to the 22nd of Panguni (March-April), the sun's rays fall directly on the lingam, signifying Lord Suryan’s worship.

Another legend relates to Goddess Parvathi’s penance. Angered by her father Daksha's disrespect toward Lord Shiva, she renounced her identity as Daksha's daughter and was reborn on earth as the daughter of Sage Kathyayana in Thiruthelicheri. She performed intense penance here, earning the name Sri Thapasvini. When she reached the age of marriage, she united with Lord Shiva at this sacred spot. For this reason, Lord Shiva is also called Sri Parvatheeswarar.

A third legend speaks of a severe drought that devastated the region due to the lack of monsoon rains. The ruler, a Chola king, prayed to Lord Shiva to save his people from starvation. It is believed that Lord Shiva, disguised as a farmer, came to this place, ploughed the fields, and sowed paddy seeds. These fields yielded an abundant harvest, saving the people from famine. As Lord Shiva himself sowed seeds here, the place came to be called Thiru Theli Cheri—where Theli means "to sow," Cheri means "place," and Thiru is a respectful prefix in Tamil.

Another legend associated with this temple involves Arjuna, the Pandava prince. Arjuna is believed to have visited this place and worshiped Lord Shiva. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before him in the guise of a hunter and blessed him with his divine darshan. Arjuna requested the Lord to name himself and the sacred tank after him. Granting his wish, Lord Shiva came to be known as Sri Phalguna Lingam, and the temple’s theertham was named Phalguna Theertham.

Another tale revolves around King Ambarisha, who sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to be blessed with a child. Following the guidance of Sage Vashistar, the king performed rigorous penance at this temple. Lord Shiva fulfilled his prayers, and hence, he is also worshiped here as Sri Raja Lingam.