Puranic Lore
Vidanga temples have one thing in common – the common name for the Lingas in all the seven temples – Thyagarajar. It’s the Somaskandha form of Lord Shiva. Initially this murthy was in possession of Lord Brahma who then gave it to Lord Indra, who worshipped it over a long time.
Meanwhile the Chola king Muchukunta was born with a monkey face due to his past aeon but known for his great valor. Once he helped Indra defeating the Asuras, thus Indra offered him a favor. Muchukunta being an ardent Shiva devotee was impressed by the Thyagaraja statue that Indra possessed and wanted it as a favor from Indra. But Indra dint want to give it to the monkey faced king. To distract him, he made 6 different murthis of Thyagaraja and asked him to choose one from those. But the king prayed to Lord Shiva to have the original one only.
Unable to refuse, Lord Indra presented seven Lingas to king Muchukunta, which he installed in seven different places in and around Thanjavur. Each Linga is noted for a particular dance movement.
Dangam – chisel, Vi- Dangam means – sculptured without a chisel
Since the Lingas were presented by Lord Indra himself, they are considered non-chiseled and hence the name Vidanga.
Thiruvarur
Mein deity - Veedhi Vidangar
His consort – kamalambikai
Dance – Ajaba natanam
Thiru kaarayil
Mein deity - Adhi vidangar
His consort – kailasa nayaki
Dance – kukkuta natanam
Thiru kuvalai
Mein deity – Avani Vidangar
His consort – Vandaar poonguzhali
Dance – Pramara natanam
Thiru vaaymur
Mein deity - Neela Vidangar
His consort – Paalinum nan Mozhiyal
Dance – Kamala natanam
Vedaranyam
Mein deity - Buvani Vidangar
His consort – Yaazhai pazhutha mozhiyemmai
Dance – Hamsa paatha natanam
Nagapatinam
Mein deity - Sundara Vidangar
His consort – Neelayadakshi
Dance – Veesi natanam
Thirunallaru
Mein deity - Naha Vidangar
His consort – Bogamartha poomulayar
Dance – Unmaththa natanam
so if you find a weekend all by yourself, take a cab and make a trip to all these seven places which are around Tanjore. I am sure you will find peace and divinity travelling through the seven glorious temples.
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