Ruchira takes us on a tour of Pakshitheertham, where a pair of white eagles, visit every noon to have their lunch. She tells us the legend about the eagles, exclusively for Different Truths.

A leaf flying out of my basket of memories…

Somebody had told my parents, long ago, that in a temple down south, there occurs a unique and uncanny phenomenon on a daily basis, which has made the place a major tourist attraction. So, when my family decided to take a trip down south the site in question was included in the itinerary.

Located close to the Chennai-Mahabalipuram-tourist circuit, Thirukazukundram (aka Pakshitheertha) is easily accessible by rail and road network.

Thirukazukundram is swathed in legends, myths and folklore. This sacred side comprises barren rocky hills atop which are built two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati.

Thirukazukundram is swathed in legends, myths and folklore. This sacred side comprises barren rocky hills atop which are built two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. They are called Edagiriswar and Thiripurasundari Amman respectively

The nomenclature Thirukazhukundram may be attributed to Tamil words e.g., Thiru (venerated), Kazhugu(bird of prey/eagle), and Kundram (mount). Its other name is Pakshi Theertham (Bird’s Holy Lake) is derived from the fact that each day around noon two immaculate white eagles fly down to the temple precincts to partake of the sanctified food (prasada) This incredible spectacle has continued through centuries…

A noted sage Bharadwaja prayed to Shiva to grant him the boon of longevity so that he could master all the Vedas. Shiva appeared before him, granted the wish  and then proceeded to create three mountains each signifying a Veda

There is an interesting story regarding Lord Shiva’s shrine. A noted sage Bharadwaja prayed to Shiva to grant him the boon of longevity so that he could master all the Vedas. Shiva appeared before him, granted the wish  and then proceeded to create three mountains each signifying a Veda (i.e., Rig, Yajur & Sam ). Since these mountains were the handiwork of the deity it is hailed as Vedagiriswara: The Lord of the Vedic Mountains (in Sanskrit).

There are several legends connected with the pair of white eagles, which come to feast at the temple. The represent the eight sages (alternatively sons of Brahma), who due to their misconduct had incurred the wrath of Lord Shiva, who transformed them into avian species. To expiate their sins, Shiva made it mandatory for them to visit his shrine.  In each specific era, a pair of them (eight of them in four epochs) were to pay visit to the Vedagiriswara temple. As part of their penance the eagles (it is believed) bathe in Rameshwaram, lunch at Thirukazukulam and spend each night at Kashi (Varanasi).

There are several legends connected with the pair of white eagles, which come to feast at the temple. The represent the eight sages (alternatively sons of Brahma), who due to their misconduct had incurred the wrath of Lord Shiva…

When we arrived in Pakshitheertha, the relentless sun was beating down upon us. Though it was April, yet the heat was overpowering. I was about seven then, but vividly recall the guide informing my parents the it was going to be arduous, tortuous climb up to the temple. Unfazed, they decided to go ahead. A nanny was hired to carry me up to the place.  A local couple tore off branches from bushes and shrubs growing nearby, systematically placing them on the blazing stone steps (five hundred plus) so that my parents could escape getting their feet seared, while climbing. The ascent was indeed steep, but the view was impressive: the town lay far beneath us shimmering in the heat; all around was were bold solid barren rocks while above our heads was the azure sky without even the tiniest speck of cloud.

It appeared that our timing was most appropriate, for the eagle duo were expected to arrive any moment. And sure enough, some distance away from where we stood, we noticed a priest seated on a craggy outcrop of rocks, with the sanctified food laid out before him.  No sooner did the priest began clanging a metal gong (kaansar used in Hindu rituals) than lo and behold the feathered guests suddenly swooped down from the brilliant blue dome, landing gently, gracefully before their host.  It was breathtaking!  Their appearance was shrouded in mystery as there were no trees or nests to be seen, for miles around. Evidently the divine hand was at work!  This little girl looked on in wonder at the extraordinary spectacle. Their hunger and thirst slaked, the two birds spread their powerful wings and rose to the skies; they flew on steadily till they were reduced to tiny specks against the vast expanse of blue…

Photos from the Internet