When Shiva claimed his rights on Sundarar

Thiruvennainallur is an ancient village near Viluppuram district which is famous for Aatkondanathar Temple. The main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva, who is called in the names of Aatkondanathar, Arutkondanathar and his consort Parvati is called Mangalambigai, Verkanni Amman. This temple believed to be built 1500 years ago. The 7^th century literature Tevaram has a chapter (Pathigam) of verses about the Lord of this temple. Another antient Tamil literature Periya Puranam also mentions this temple.

Legend of the temple is associated with Sundarar, one of the four great poets (Samaya Kuravar Nalvar) of Shaiva tradition. Sundarar was prevented by an old man from marrying at Tirunavalur. He showed a document that indicated that Sundarar was his slave and he is indebted to the old man for serving him for a lifetime. Sundarar called him 'Piththa', a lunatic. The village elders asked Sundarar to respect document and go with the old man to the court of Thiruvennainallur. Marriage was stopped and Sundarar followed the old man and the old man went to Thiruvennainallur. In the court, it is proved that the document is valid and Sundarar has to serve the old man. After that, the old man took Sundarar into the temple, where he disappeared inside the sanctum. It was Shiva who had appeared as the old man to remind Sundarar that he was born to sing about the Lord and work for the Shaiva tradition. Sundarar felt guilty of calling Shiva as "Piththa" (lunatic), but Shiva revealed to him as divine voice from the sanctum, that he was pleased with him and requested him to sing verses on him. When Sundarar expressed he was unable to sing, Lord himself suggests to start singing with the word Piththa. Then Sundarar sang his first song, "Piththa Piraisudi Perumane Arulala" in this temple and later would become one of the four most greatly respected saints of Saiva Tradition. Lord Shiva stopping Sundarar from getting married is called “Thaduthu Aatkolludhal” in Tamil. And hence the Lord of this temple is called Aatkondanathar.

The Hall where the case of Sundarar and Lord Shiva (Old man) was enquired still exists inside the temple complex. It is a wonder that, one of the pillars in that hall is always warm. People believe that this is the pillar, Lord Shiva as the Old Man was leaning during the court session.

Aatkondanathar Lingam is Swayambu (self-manifested) in this temple. The temple is also called Thiru Arulthurai (Home of Divine Blessings). Mother Mangalambigai graces with four hands in standing form. Mother is seen with all features of Mahalakshmi, with Sanga Nidhi, Padma Nidhi and also with Sri Chakra. Lord Vinayaka in this temple is called as “Polla Pillayar”. It is believed that Lord Muruga – Shanmuganathar in this temple, gave darshan to Saint Arunagirinathar in rare dancing form with his peacock.

Those who are impaired of speech pray to Aatkondanathar in this temple. Lord graces devotees with excellence in education and oratory skills. People light lamps with a mixture of four oils made of ghee, iluppu oil, coconut oil and gingelly oil and pray for getting married, childbirth and other success in life. It is the staunch belief of the devotees that their wedding would materialise if they worship the Nandhi with a garland.