Sundararaja Perumal Temple

As per Hindu legend, sage Suthaba was doing penance at this place. He had powers to reside both in water and land. He did not observe sage Durvasa, who was waiting for him. Durvasa got irritated and cursed Suthaba to become a frog called mendakam in Sanskrit. Suthaba requested Durvasa on the penance he had to do to get relieved off the curse. Durvasa explained him that the curse was on account of the sin he committed in his previous birth and Vishnu would appear to him to relieve him. Suthaba, as a frog, continued his penance under water in the Mendaka Theertham in the temple and Vishnu appeared to him as Sundararajan.

As per another legend, Hindu god of creation, Brahma, was once of the belief that he was the most handsome individual in the planet as he created all the human beings. Vishnu is believed to learned this and cursed Brahma to be born as a normal life in earth. In earth, Brahma worshiped Vishnu to get relieved off his curse. Vishnu appeared as a handsome young man in front of him. Awed by the individual’s personality, Brahma inquired about his whereabouts. Vishnu revealed his true form and conveyed to Brahma that physical appearance is temporary and one has to be good by heart.

Legend has it that Bhrama and Valmiki worshipped Vishnu here. A similar legend holds at the Anbilalanturai Shivastalam. Legend also has it that Mandookamuni in his state of intense underwater penance failed to pay his respects to the arriving Durvasa muni who cursed him to take up the form of a toad. Upon worshipping Vishnu at this shrine, the sage was relieved of his curse, and hence the name Mandooka pushkarini.

This Anbil Sthalam is closely related to great creators. This whole world was created by Lord Brahma and Valmiki Maharishi is great Saint (Muni) and has lots of good thoughts built-in. Both these two persons are very good examples of creating good things and dedicating it to this mighty world.

Based on the Kalyana gunam (Character) and Thiru Vadivam (shape) of Sriman Narayanan, they created good things and presented to the world. Behind this good creation, is the love (or) Anbu in Tamil on God. So, this sthalam is calle as “Anbil”.

To all the creative people, all the things they see looks good and beautiful. Like the same way, the God here is Vadivazhagiya Nambi and Thaayar is Azhagiyavalli Naachiyar showing Shundhara – Sorobha Dharshanam.