Pakshi Teertham
Pakshi Teerth, is locally known as Tirukalikundram, as well as Thirukazhugu Kundram. Its location vis-a-vis other places of interest would be, about 70 km south of Chennai, about 15 km south east of Chingleput and about 15km west of Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram is the famous temple on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and has the 'Seven Pagodas' containing stone carving of great artistic merit, architecture and historical importance dating back to the 7th century A.D. Tirukalikundram, or the hill of sacred vultures, is a popular resort of pilgrims. Two vultures have been visiting the hill at about 11am. And, this has been there since times immemorial. A few decades ago, when industrialisation and bourgeoning population had not spilled into the outskirts of the town, the place appeared even more amazing. From nowhere, the two vultures arrive at about 11am. The rationalists, believe that it is the hunger and its gratification that brings the vultures here. But, then, why only two? Why not three or five? One does not have the answer.
Legend of Pakshi Teertham
In India there are many shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. In fact, the number of temples dedicated to Shiva far exceed those to Rama, Krishna or the Devi. Of them, Pakshi Teertham,is one connected with many legends. Here, Markandeya Muni had offered worship. King Suraguru reigned at this place. Nandi did penance here. A 'conch' appears in the Temple Tank, once in twelve years.Siva presided from old times in the south east part of this kshetra called Rudrakoti. The hill represents the four Vedas and is called the Vedagiri Ishwara. The Devi (Goddess) accompanying Shiva is Sri Tripurasundari. Persons bathing in the sacred tank and going round the hill in reverential pradakshina, for a considerable period of time are cured of prolonged ailments and diseases, obtain fulfilment of their wishes and desires, prayers and appeals. Vultures form a very important part of legends associated with the place. Infact they have appeared in some form or the other in all the four yugas. Two divine vultures have been visiting Pakshi Teertham, (hence the name of the place) since time immemorial.
Kreta yuga (Satyuga)
Chanda and Prachanda, the dwarpals at Vaikuntha appeared before sage Tiruva for a feast. They were cursed to be born as vultures. They, in the form of vultures, worshipped Lord Shiva and became one with the Lord at the end of the Kreta yuga.
Treta Yuga
The two took the form of vultures name Sampathi and Jatayu, in the Treta yuga. There was a fight between the two. Each said that he alone was mighty. Both flew towards the sky from the peak of Mount Meru. Both were cursed and they had to resort to Tirukalikundra, where they attained oneness with the Lord Shiva. Sampathi and Jatayu play important role in the Ramayana.
Dwapara Yuga
Sankunathan and Mukundan were great devotees of Lord Siva and his consort Parvati. They were cursed to roam as vultures by both Siva and Devi. Then they did penance alike to Siva and Parvati at Tirukalikundram. The local legends declare that both enjoyed bliss and attainment of oneness with the Lord Vedagiriswara's feet.
Kali Yuga
Pusha and Vidhaata were two sages who did penance in Tirukalikundram. Since they transgressed the orders of Siva they became vultures. It is these vultures that visit Tirukalikundram daily all the year round. The small tank on top of the hill was formed by the beak of these birds. According to the local Purana these birds will attain freedom at the end of the kaliyuga. These sages adorned the place as vultures and so the place is named Tirukalikundram after them, viz, hill of sacred vultures. On the hill, everyday these divine vultures are fed with ghee and sweet cooked rice, by a hereditary desikar. The birds do the round of the temple thrice. After feeding on the offerings they disappear and return the next day.The legend as handed down from the seven centuries is that they bathe at Kasi, eat at Pakshi Teertham at 11.30 am and pray at Rameshwaram and rest at Chidambaram.
Shankhu Teertham
A dog of King Suraguru after drinking water from the said Sanku Teertham, was relieved of its leprosy and was transformed into a golden coloured dog. People come for bath here and get perfection after bathing. In the said Shankhu (literal meaning, conch) Teertham once in every 12 years there appears in the middle of the tank a Shankh. This is the place where Markandeya attained perfection and was blessed after his Puja. Besides this, there are various other teerthams such as Nandi Teertham, Varuna Teertham, Akalya Teertham and Sampaathi Teertham. It is believed that those devotees who bathe in these teerthams are absolved of their sins.At Tirukalikundram festivals are innumerable and celebrated throughout the year.
Nandi's Penance
Devotee Nandi took leave of Lord Siva and went in the direction of Rudrakoti and saw the mountain top where Lord Vedagiri resides and was moved very much by the sight. He fell prostrate before it and bathed in the sacred tank where the reflection of God Vedagirishwara was seen and after finishing the worship he began to meditate along with practicing Pranayam. He had a beautiful vision of dazzling brilliance which excelled a thousand Suns. He heard the rare pleasing sound. He experienced the highest form of meditation in the 1000 petalled Lotus Chakra.He was lost in the Siva Yoga over powered by Brahmic bliss. Then Lord Siva ordered Indra to send a celestial damsel(apsara) named Tilothama to Nandi. When she approached Nandi, who was a Bull,in sheer passion Tilothama rubbed against Nandi's body to stir an amorous response in him. A greatly angered, Nandi cursed Tilothama to remain permanently in the form of a cow. She begged pardon of Nandi, who declared that when the King Suraguru would pass this way from Mahabalipuram, she would regain her celestial form. After blessing her, he resumed his Yoga and devotional practice towards Siva. Lord Siva appeared before Nandi and the Gods showered flowers on the occasion. When Nandi saw Lord Siva, he danced out in ecstasy. Lord Siva asked him to choose a boon, Nandi prayed that the tank and the place be named after him and and that the hill be called Vedagiri and that any devotee who prayed in the sacred place should attain Kailas--Siva's abode. His prayer was granted by the Lord, Nandi thereupon bore Lord Siva on his back and reached Kailasa. Lord Siva's abode where he is eternally serving Him. Tirukalikundram is also called Nandipuram after Nandi's penance here.
Narayana's Penance
Once upon a time Lord Vishnu assured the Gods protection from the Rakshasas, The Rakshasas fled into the jungle and sought refuge in the hermitage of Bhrigu. Bhrigu's wife assured them of safety and after accommodating them stood at the gate as a sentinel. Vishnu, demanded of her their release. She refused to surrender them for being sacrificed at his hands. The Lord in anger hurled his weapon, the Chakra, which set fire to the whole forest. The hermitage and Bhrigu's wife were reduced to ashes.On learning of the course of events leading to the death of his wife, Bhrigu got enraged and cursed Lord Vishnu that in his Ramavatara, he and his wife would bear the suffering of separation. Then Lord Vishnu, accepted the curse of the sage. He then pressed the earth with his toe when the Pataal Ganga sprang up. , Bhrigu said to Vishnu that his curse would help the Lord Rama to kill Ravana and redeem his wife Sita, and that the Lord Vishnu should do penance to Vedagiri God for expiating the sin of killing a woman. As instructed Vishnu came to Vedagiri and worshipped Siva.Vishnu was blessed with the vision of Vedagiri Ishwara and received boons. he then returned to his abode at Vaikunta. The place is called Tiru Narayanpuram as Lord Vishnu worshipped the Ishwara here.
Brahma's Penance
Brahma the four faced God was partial to Bharathi and so his other wife Savitri cursed him that the four Vedas should desert him. Savitri then went to do Penance, When Vedas deserted Brahma under the curse, he was oppressed by the demons Madhu and Kaitabha. Vishnu, then killed the two demons and instructed Brahma to give up fear and go to Vedagiri and worship Lord Shiva there for the fulfilment of his desires.Brahma did accordingly and obtained the vision of the Lord when Savitri and Vedas were restored to him. He then returned to his abode Satya Lok. So the place was named Brahmapuri from that day onwards.
Giri-Pradakshinam penance
Tirukalikundram has through centuries enjoyed reputation as a health resort. Large numbers of people stay in this place for 48 days. A walk round the hill (Giri-pradakshinam) every morning and evening and a bath in the sacred tank of Sanku Teertham is highly efficacious for amelioration of disease.
Orukkal Mandapam Penance
The monolithic mandapam must have been a place of worship in ancient days. It is now neglected and no worship is done. There the pillars and walls of the monolithic hall of cell bear the signature of a large number of Dutch visitors who visited this place in 1681 AD and witnessed the feeding of the sacred birds on 3rd January 1681. The signatures bear the dates ranging from A. D. 1664 to 1687. Among the Dutch visitors to the hill temple were Governors and Chiefs of settlements in India.