Shivalayam Ottam 3- Thirparappu Veerabadhreswarar Temple, Kanyakumari

Address

Shivalayam Ottam 3- Thirparappu Veerabadhreswarar Temple, Thirparappu, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu 629151

Diety

Veerabhadrar / Jatadharar

Introduction

Veerabadhreswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thirparappu in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Veerabhadrar / Jatadharar. Theertham of this Temple is River Kothaiyar. Thirparappu is the third temple for the Shivalaya Ottam. This temple is surrounded by natural beauty and spiritual richness. The temple located in the bank of Kodaiyar River and close to the famous Thirparappu waterfalls. In Sanskrit, this place was called Sreevisalapuram. The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Thirunanthikarai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.

Puranic Significance

The temple has been built around 9th century though some carvings suggest it existed even before that. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya used to visit and stay at this temple. King Sree Visakam Thirunal also used to visit this temple to offer his prayers. The Lord after destroying the Yagam of Dakshan as Veerabhadra has taken abode over here. It is believed Sage Vyagrapathar worshipped Lord Shiva here. This temple is part of the famous Shivalaya Ottam.

Special Features

The Temple is located on the left bank of the river in between the waterfalls and the weir. The Temple is enclosed by walls on all sides. This temple is situated in a very scenic background as the Kothaiyar River makes beautiful waterfalls near the temple. This temple is one in the Shivalaya Ottam temples. This temple is facing west. Presiding Deity is called as Veerabhadrar / Jatadharar. This Lord is very sweet for the sincere worshippers, is in a fierce form. The Vimana(roof) of the shrine is adorned with sculptures. A stone Mandapam and a marker for a secret passage are the other important attractions. The Nandhi, in this temple, faces the north. At the entrance, on both sides, there are sanctorum for the Ambal and Vinayagar facing the east. On the outside of the temple there are statues of Lord Krishna with ghee and Lord Murugan with Vel. The gold statue in the temple was kept in the Adhikesava Perumal Temple. The Sanctum is round shaped at the bottom and cone shaped toward the top. There is an abode for jura devar in the temple. Theertham of this Temple is River Kothaiyar.