Uthirakosamangai Sri Mangalanatha Swamy temple, situated in close proximity to Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, India, is devoted to Lord Shiva. This renowned temple boasts numerous sanctuaries, with the primary ones dedicated to Mangalanathar, Mangalambigai, and Natarajar. Among the temple's treasures is a unique 6 ft (1.8 m) tall ancient maragatha Nataraja idol, intricately carved out of emerald, making it one of a kind.
According to Hindu stories, a fascinating legend unfolds
wherein a multitude of revered rishis, or ascetics, engaged in profound penance
to honor the mighty deity Shiva. Intriguingly, Shiva, in response to their
devoted worship, conveyed that he would manifest in the form of a fiery orb to
acknowledge the penance specifically performed by Mandothari, the queen consort
of King Ravana in the distant island of Sri Lanka.
This divine promise led to a remarkable sequence of events.
Shiva, assuming the guise of a small child, materialized within the opulent
confines of Ravana's palace. The curious and awe-struck Ravana, captivated by
the beauty of the divine child, lifted him, only to inadvertently cause a minor
injury. Simultaneously, a celestial fireball emanated from the sacred Agni
Theertham, the temple tank at Uthirakosamangai Sri Mangalanatha Swamy temple,
prompting the ascetic rishis to interpret this as Shiva launching an attack
against Ravana.
In a tragic twist, believing they had erred in their
perception, a staggering 999 rishis chose to atone for their perceived mistake
by sacrificing themselves. They willingly plunged into the flames, which they
saw as a symbolic act of repentance. Miraculously, one sage, recognizing the
importance of preserving the sacred Vedic books, refrained from
self-immolation, thus ensuring the continuity of ancient wisdom.
Witnessing this selfless act, Shiva was moved and expressed
his approval. As a token of divine gratitude, he manifested as Sahasralingam,
symbolizing a thousand lingams, in the temple—999 for the ascetics who had
sacrificed themselves and an additional one for the lone sage who had
safeguarded the Vedic knowledge.
Legend further suggests that the solitary rishi who spared
himself was reborn as Manickavasgar in a subsequent life. His steadfast
commitment to preserving the sacred texts and his resilience in the face of
misunderstanding are revered as powerful examples of devotion and wisdom within
the rich tapestry of Hindu stories.