Although there are numerous temples of Lord Shiva across the country of India, the Annamalayar temple in Thiruvannamalai finds a special place for itself as the main deity Lord Shiva is being worshipped in the form of a “flame”. There are many legends associated with the story of why Lord Shiva took the form of a flame and one of the interesting history is listed here
Appeared as a Flame
According to Hindu history, there was an argument for superiority between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Lord Siva was asked to judge who is greater between the two Lords. Lord Siva agreed to the competition and transformed into Agni Lingam (flame) and challenged both of them to reach the feet and crown of the lingam.
Lord Vishnu transformed into a boar and started digging the ground to reach the base. After a long time, he understood that it was impossible to reach the feet of Lord Shiva, so he accepted his defeat. While Lord Brahma transformed into a swan and started flying high to reach the crown of Lord Siva. After flying for several years, he couldn’t reach the top of the crown but came across a Screw Pine (Thazhambu in tamil) flower. He asked the flower how many years it would take to reach the top of the crown. The screw pine replied that it has been falling down from the top of the crown for the past 40,000 years and still didn’t reach the base of the lingam. Lord Brahma understood that it is impossible to win the contest and hence decided to take the flower as a witness that he reached the crown.
However Lord Siva understood the conspiracy and cursed the flower that it will not be used for prayers, whereas Lord Brahma was cursed that no human on earth will pray for him. Later Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu requested Lord Siva to cool down from his Agni form. Thus Lord Siva transformed into Siva Lingam.
Accommodations near the Annamalayar Temple
Visiting this temple of such historical significance is definitely a must-do when you are in the south of India. When you are planning a trip to Tiruvannamalai, you should know that the city is hub to several serviced apartments and short stay rentals. One such prime provider of serviced apartmentsService apartment in Tiruvannamalai is Manasarovar Homes. The apartments offered by Manasarovar Homes are fully furnished with best amenities to cater your needs.