The temple was built during the rule of Rajaraja Chola II during the years 1146 – 1163. The main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva and he is called by the name Agneeswarar or Bharaninathar. The Lord is seen facing the west and it is believed that He would be in a furious nature in that direction. So worshiping the Lord here would give more benefits to the devotees.
As per the Sthala Purana, a sage named Mruganda Maharshi organized a great yaga for the Lord of Nalladai. He also announced that the materials that are required for the yaga could be given by the public. So, they wove three silk clothes with gold and offered them to the Sage. At the end of the yaga, the maharishi put those clothes in the Yaga Gunda-the fire pit. (The process of Poornahuthi). People did not understand this act of the Sage and so they questioned him for putting the clothes in Fire. They also asked how the clothes that are placed in the Homam would reach the Lord.
The sage smiled and asked the people to go and see the main deity in the Garbagraha by themselves. When they went and saw the Lord, it was really a pleasant surprise for them. What a wonder! The silk clothes that were offered by them are draped around the Lord. Then the sage explained about the various types of Agni. He also said that the Bharani Rudhragni is one of the powerful Agni that took the things given by the devotees to the Lord. This is the reason why this temple is attributed to the Star Bharani.
There was a famous saying in Tamil called “Bharani Dharani Aalum” meaning people who are born in the Bharani Star would rule the World. Bharani Starers normally have the potential to rule due to their fire burning energy. They normally have very good knowledge and urge to learn new things. In order to sustain this power, they are advised to perform yaga to this Agni Personified Shiva Linga and the Goddess.
It is also strongly believed that by performing special Archanai on the Bharani Star Day would help in getting rid of the adversary effects of the Planetary positions. People also pray for the Happy Wedding, Child Boon, and other benefits.
Nalladai Sri Agneeswarar Temple
The temple in India that resonates with the Bharani nakshatra is located in a village called Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu, India. It is called as "Sri Agneeswarar" temple referring to a form of Lord Shiva "Sri" is a mantra giving respect and good fortune and "Agneeswarar" means Lord of fire. People born under the Bharani star should visit this sacred energy vortex during their lifetime.
Incredible blessings come to those people born under Bharani who perform a fire ritual at the Bharani energy vortex of Nalladai Sri Agneeswarar Temple. The Siddhas say that if the fire ritual is conducted without the assistance of matchstick, but started instead with pure pipal wood, the person would be able to gain the divine blessings. This type of fire is known as Bharani Arani as it originates from the world of the Fire God.
Saint Mirugandu conducted a fire ritual on Bharani nakshatra day and formed this sacred fire of Bharani Arani. The ashes of this fire, along with the silk clothes of the King were presented to Sri Agneeswarar at this sacred shrine. It is said that if a fire ritual is performed on Bharani star day, with the grace of the guru, benefic effects will manifest a thousand fold. This will invoke the divine blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
People born under all stars would gain the maximum benefits of wealth and power by conducting a fire ritual here on the Bharani star day, but Bharani natives in particular, could ignite their capacity to rule.