Thu Oct 02 23:45:00 UTC 2025: **Headline: Ancient Tiruchi Temple Rooted in Legend of King Shibi’s Dharma**
**Tiruchi, October 3, 2025 (The Hindu) –** Thiruvellarai, a divya desam (a holy place for Hindus) near Tiruchi, boasts a temple steeped in rich legend and history, according to K.B. Devarajan. The temple derives its name from the white hillock upon which it is constructed and is inextricably linked to the story of King Shibi of the Ikshvaku dynasty, the lineage of Lord Rama.
The narrative centers on Shibi’s unwavering adherence to dharma. The story tells of a dove seeking refuge with Shibi from a pursuing hawk. Caught in a moral dilemma – protect the dove seeking sanctuary or allow the hawk to feed – Shibi ultimately offered his own flesh as a substitute for the dove. His willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of dharma was put to the test, with the scales remaining stubbornly tilted against him even as he offered more and more of his own body. Finally, prepared to offer his entire being, Shibi was revealed to be in the presence of Agni (fire god) and Indra (king of gods), who had merely been testing his commitment to dharma.
Another legend connected to the temple tells of Shibi chasing a white boar during a hunt. The boar vanished near Sage Markandeya, who advised Shibi to perform an abhishekam (a ritual bath) on the nearby bush. Doing so revealed an idol of Vishnu in a standing posture, now known as Pundreekaksha, “the lotus-eyed One,” at the Thiruvellarai temple. The lotus eyes symbolize the auspicious qualities of the Supreme Being.
The Thiruvellarai temple stands as a testament to the timeless values of dharma, compassion, and the unwavering commitment to righteousness, embodying the enduring spiritual heritage of India.
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