Aghoramurthy

Aghoramurthy

Marutwasura, an asura, was troubling the Rishis and the people of Thiruvenkadu.  The people prayed to Lord Shiva.  Lord Shiva sent Nandi (Bull) – his vahana, to fight the demon. Marutwasura was defeated by Nandi and thrown into the sea. Marutwasura through his penance obtained sula – from Lord Shiva.  The demon then returned with greater intensity to attack the innocent people.  Once again, at the request of the devotees, Shiva sent Nandi.  However, on this occasion, Nandi could not fight the demon as the demon had the Sula of Shiva.  The demon caused wounds on Nandi’s back with the Sula.  The idol of Nandi which bears scars on its body is seen here.

An angry Shiva opened his Third Eye and killed the demon.  The idol of Aghoramurthy, a manifestation of Shiva’s anger, is installed in Thiruvenkadu. Worshiping Aghoramurthy, especially on Sunday nights is considered important and special.