Thirukovilur Sri Veeratteswarar Temple, Villupuram

Diety: Sri Veeratteswarar, Sri Andhakaanthakan Amman: Sri Sivananthavalli, Sri Periyanayagi
Temple Address: Thirukovilur  Sri Veeratteswarar Temple Keezhayur, Thirukovilur Post & Taluk Villupuram District Tamil Nadu 605 757. Contact: +91 4153-252220, 253532, 93456 60711.
Open between: 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 AM to 08:30 AM

Introduction

Veerateeswarar Temple (also called Thirukoilur Veerattam) in Tirukoilur, a panchayat town in Villupuram district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Cholas period in the 10th century. Shiva is worshipped as Veerateeswarar and his consort Parvathi as Periyanayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple has two three-tiered Rajagopurams, the gateway tower, one each for the Veerateeswarar and Periyanagi shrines. Theertham (Holy water): Thenpennai river Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree): Vilvam and Sarakkontrai trees

Puranic Significance

This is the place where Lord Shiva destroyed the demon Andhakasura. Of the eight Veeratta sthalas, this is the second one and it has significant historical importance and antiquity. In this temple’s sanctum sanctorum, Lord Shiva is seen as Bairavar. It is believed that, once while playing with Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi covered his eyes. Since the lord’s eyes are believed to be Sun and Moon, covering them turned the world dark. It is believed that this darkness took the form of a demon called “Andhakasuran”. “Andha” means darkness and also ignorance. This demon obtained a lot of powers from Lord Shiva after rigorous penance. Emboldened by his powers, he started troubling the devas in the celestial world. They went to Lord Shiva to seek his intervention. Lord Shiva struck Andhakasuran on his head with his trident. The head of the demon began to bleed. Every drop of blood that fell on earth grew into another demon and this lead to a war between the demons and Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvathi prevented the blood from falling down by collecting it in a bowl. But before she could so, some of it fell down to the earth in the form of 8 vertical and 8 horizontal lines and thus made 64 squares. With his power, Lord Shiva created 64 Bhairavas – one for each square and prevented further production of demons. It is believed that Sukrachariar, leader of the demons, created many more demons to aid Andhakasuran in his fight with Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva punished Sukrachariar by swallowing him. Sukrachariar then realized his mistake and pleaded to the lord for forgiveness. Lord Shiva took pity on him, gave him rebirth and blessed him with a place among the Navagrahas as Sukran. It is believed that Lord Shiva struck Andhakasuran with his trident and lifted him off the ground. It is significant to note that this kind of killing is unique to this Veeratta Sthalam because in other seven places Lord Shiva vanquished the demons by pinning them to the ground.

Beliefs

This is a Parikara Sthalam for all doshas related to planet Sukran. It is believed by devotees that worshiping the lord here will absolve them of the sins of their previous birth. As this is the place where Vasthu Sastra came into existence, many devotees bring their building plans here and seek the lord’s blessings before starting the construction of their houses. As planet Venus (Sukran) was relieved of his curse here, devotees believe that worshiping the lord here will remove obstacles from their marriage proposals Thirukkovilur is also seen as a place where those afflicted by evil spirits can find relief.

Special Features

Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested). This is one of the eight “Veerattana Sthalams” of Lord Shiva. In this temple Lord Shiva himself is a Bairavar. Both Moolavar and Ambal Shrines are facing west and are built as separate temples. Both temples’ main towers (Rajagopuram) have 3-tiers and 2 corridors each. Two of the 63 Nayanmars – Saint Meiporul Nayanar and Saint Narasinga Munaiarayar lived in this place. This is the birth place of the great Chola King Arunmozhith Devan, popularly known as Raja Raja Cholan; his mother Vaanavan Madevi and Adithya Karikalan.

Festivals

10 day Brahmotsavam (Masi Magam) in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar), Thiru Karthikai in the Tamil month of Karthigai (Nov-Dec), Aadi Fridays in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-Aug), Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct), Annabishekam, Skanda Sashti and Soora Samharam in the Tamil month of Aipasi (Oct-Nov), Thiruvadirai and Manickavasagar festival in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan) Aani Thirumanjanam in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July. Pradosham is also regularly observed.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Saints and Singers

Appar, Sambandar

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Best Time

8 – 12

Accommodation

Villupuram

Nearest Bus Station

Thirukovilur

Nearest Railway Station

Villupuram

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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