The Swetharanyeswarar Temple is steeped in mythological stories and legends that add to its significance and sanctity. Here are a few prominent mythological stories associated with the temple:
Legend of Markandeya and the White Forest:
1.According to Hindu mythology, the great sage Markandeya prayed to Lord Shiva in the Thiruvenkadu forest, seeking eternal life. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva granted him a boon, making him immortal. As a result, the forest came to be known as Swetharanyam or the White Forest. The temple stands as a testament to this divine encounter.
Legend of the Divine Couple:
2.Another popular mythological story is about Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that the divine couple, in the form of Swetharanyeswarar and Brahma Vidyambigai, performed a celestial dance (Ananda Tandavam) in this temple. The dance symbolizes the harmonious union of masculine and feminine energies and signifies the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction.
Legend of the Churning of the Milky Ocean:
3.According to Hindu mythology, when the gods and demons churned the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) to obtain the nectar of immortality, various divine beings emerged from the ocean. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in Thiruvenkadu during this churning process, offering his blessings and protection to the gods.
