Kanchipuram Veerattaneswarar Temple

Address

Kanchipuram Veerattaneswarar Temple

Melkathirpur, Periya, Kanchipuram,

Tamil Nadu 631502

Moolavar

Veerattaneswarar/ Veerattagaseshwarar.

Introduction

The Veerattaneswarar Temple, also known as the Sakya Nayanar Temple, is a prominent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Konerikuppam, Kanchipuram Town, in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.

Puranic Significance 

Presiding Deity:

• Lord Veerattaneswarar / Veerattagaseshwarar: The primary deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is known as Veerattaneswarar or Veerattagaseshwarar. He is enshrined in the sanctum in the form of a Lingam.
• Sakya Nayanar: The temple is also known as the Sakya Nayanar Temple, dedicated to the Nayanar saint Sakkiya Nayanar.

Historical Significance:

• The Veerattaneswarar Temple has historical importance and was built by Pallava King Parameshwara Pallava II. It boasts inscriptions that provide insights into its history and religious significance.

Association with Sakya Nayanar:

• Sakkiya Nayanar, the thirty-fourth Nayanar in the list of 63 Nayanars, is associated with this temple. He was born in the village of Tiru Changa Mangai, which is modern-day Konerikuppam in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.
• Sakkiya Nayanar was initially a crypto-Hindu practicing Shaivism in secrecy while posing as a Buddhist. He embraced Shaivism and, as part of his devotion, worshipped Lord Shiva by throwing a stone at the Shiva Lingam daily.
• The deity, Lord Shiva, accepted Sakkiya Nayanar’s unique form of devotion, and Sakkiya Nayanar ultimately attained salvation.
• He is depicted with a top-knot or flowing matted hair and folded hands, representing his unique form of worship.

The Veerattaneswarar Temple holds a unique place in the cultural and religious history of Tamil Nadu. It serves as a place of devotion and reverence for both Lord Shiva and Sakkiya Nayanar, representing their connection and the distinctive form of worship offered by Sakkiya Nayanar.

Special Features

Temple Features:

• The temple is relatively small and has a west-facing structure without a Rajagopuram. An entrance arch facing south marks the entry to the temple premises.
• The sanctum sanctorum consists of the sanctum, an Antarala (vestibule), and an Artha Mandapam.
• In the Artha Mandapam, there are two sets of Lingams, with one set facing east and the other facing west. Additionally, two sets of feet carved in stone are kept nearby, believed to be those of Lord Nataraja and Shivagami.
• A beautiful sculpture of Lord Shiva and Parvathi is carved on a stone slab in the Artha Mandapam.
• An idol of Sakkiya Nayanar holding a large stone, in a posture as if he is about to throw it at Lord Shiva, can be found near the Vinayaga Idol.

Festivals

• Devotees visit the Veerattaneswarar Temple to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva and to pay homage to Sakkiya Nayanar.
• A holy day dedicated to Sakkiya Nayanar is observed on the twenty-sixth day of the Tamil month of Margazhi, which generally coincides with January 10.
• The temple may participate in other religious festivals and processions that are part of the region’s traditions.

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Nearest Bus Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram Junction

Nearest Airport

Chennai

Location on Map

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