Chintamani of Theur

Chintamani of Theur

Although this is the fifth prescribed temple in the Ashtavinayak Set, people visit this temple after visiting Ballaleshwar of Palli, as the route is easier. 

Theur was initially known as Kadambanagar. This region had a king named Abhijeet. He was a powerful king, blessed with everything in life, except for a heir. At the suggestion of Rishi Vaishampayan, the king and his wife carried severe penance, at the end of which, they were blessed with a son named Gana. He was also called as Ganaraja. 

Ganaraja, even though being bright and brave, also tended to be aggressive. Once he was invited to the Ashram of the Sage Kapil. The sage proved to be a good host and with the help of the Chintamani jewel that he had, he was able to serve a royal feast for Ganaraja. On seeing the precious jewel, desire came over Ganaraja to possess it. Sage Kapil refused to hand it over to him. But Ganaraja forcibly took the jewel.

Kapil Muni took refuge of his Ishta Devi, Goddess Durga, who advised the sage to take the help of Lord Ganesha. 

The Lord immediately answered the prayers of the sage and went after Ganaraja to take back the jewel. A fierce fight ensued under a Kadamba tree, between the Lord and Ganaraja. Needless to say, the Lord won!

Lord Ganesha returned the Chintamani to Kapil Muni. But by this time, the sage had lost all desire to possess or use the jewel. He offered the jewel to Lord Ganesha and tied the Chintamani around the Lord's neck. Thus Lord Ganesha came to be worshipped as Chintamani Vinayak!

Kadambanagar is now called as Theur, and has a temple dedicated to Chintamani Vinayak. Lord Chintamani is said to provide peace of mind to His devotees and clears the mind of all doubts and restlessness. Why, Lord Brahma Himself is said to have meditated on Chintamani Vinayaka to find peace! Theur also means Sthavar (stable) and seems to be aptly named for the village hosting the temple of peace-giving Shri Chintamani Vinayaka.