THIRUKKARAGAM
There is a kshetra by name Karagam near Kanchipuram. Once
upon a time King Ambarisha wanted to perform a yaga. He came to Kanchipuram to
perform the sacrifice. But his yagnapashu ( sacrificial animal) was lost. He
went to sage Rucheeka to ask for his son as a narapashu ( human sacrifice). The
sage refused to give his eldest son. The wife of the sage refused to give the
youngest and so the middle one by name Sunnashepa knew he was to be given. At
once he himself offered voluntarily to come to the sacrifice and give up his
life. On the way he met his uncle Sage
Vishwamithra. He pleaded the sage that
he suggest a solution such that Ambarisha would beget the fruits of the
sacrifice , whilst his life would also be saved. Vishwamithra pledged to save him
at the cost of the lives of his 100 sons. But all his 100 sons refused to give
up their lives. In anger Vishwamithra cursed him. He then discovered two
sukthas on Indra and Vishnu. He said to Sunasshepa “ While being tied to the
yupasthamba ( the pillar ) may you chant these two sukthas. You will be saved
by the compassionate Lord and the King too would be blessed with the fruits of
the sacrifice.
Sunnashepa did
so. Vishnu and Indra appeared before all of them.The Lord said to Sunasshepa “
Iam pleased by your righteousness and devotion to your parents. You are even
willing to give up your life for their sake.Pleased by tyour devotiobn I bestow
on you long life and at the same time King Ambarisha will get his desires
fulfilled. This too is because of your good virtues. May you ask for anything
that you want.”
Sunasshepa then
requested that the Lord stay in kanchipuram and bless all those who come for
his darshan with a long life and prosperity.
This Kshetra is known by the name Karagam and the Lord here
is called KARUNAKARAN.
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