Nagapattinam Sri Veerabadraswami Temple

Address

Nagapattinam Sri Veerabadraswami Temple

Near old bus stand, Nagapattinam circle,

Nagapattinam district,

Tamil Nadu 611 001

Moolavar

Sri Veerabadraswami

Introduction

• Location:
  The Nagapattinam Sri Veerabadraswami Temple is situated in the Nagapattinam circle, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu.
• Presiding Deity:
  The temple is dedicated to Sri Veerabadraswami, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva.

Puranic Significance

• Unique Depiction of Sri Veerabadra:
  • Sri Veerabadra faces west in a separate sanctum.
  • Unlike traditional depictions where Daksha (father of Goddess Parvati) is bowing, here Sri Veerabadra is shown holding Daksha’s head.
• Aipasi Poosa Star Day:
  • A unique belief exists that a dosha (curse) covering Veerabadra left Him on the Aipasi Poosa star day in October-November.
  • On this day, special pujas are performed to honor Sri Veerabadra.
• Shiva Puja by Veerabadra:
  • It is believed that Sri Veerabadra performs a Shiva Puja Himself during the midday ritual.
  • During this time, the procession deity, Agora Veerabadra, is taken to the shrine of Lord Viswanatha for the puja.

Historical Significance

• Brahmmahati Dosha Relief:
  • According to legend, Veerabadra incurred Brahmmahati dosha after killing Daksha, who had insulted Lord Shiva by conducting a yajna without inviting Him.
  • Sages advised Veerabadra to throw his ornaments in a river and build a temple at the spot where the ornaments reached the banks.
  • Veerabadra installed a Shiva Linga, performed pujas, and was relieved of the dosha.
  • The temple was built at this sacred site and is believed to be over 1000 years old.

Deities and Shrines

• Principal Deities:
  • Lord Viswanatha (Shiva) and Mother Visalakshi are the main deities.
  • However, Sri Veerabadraswami holds prominence, and the temple is named after Him.
• Other Shrines:
  • Ambica Veerasakthi: Located in the front mandap of Sri Veerabadra’s shrine.
  • Veera Makali: Guardian deity of Sri Veerabadra, depicted with three demons under her feet.
  • Vinayaka, Muruga, Chandikeswara, Navagrahas, and Gajalakshmi also have shrines in the temple.
• Procession Deities:
  • Agni Veerabadra and Agora Veerabadra are two significant procession deities.

Beliefs and Devotional Practices

• Devotees’ Prayers:
  • Worshippers seek relief from shyness and doshas.
  • Special offerings include abishek and vastras to the Lord and Mother.
• Unique Lamp Ritual:
  • Devotees hold lamps on their heads while praying before Sri Veerabadraswami, a practice unique to this temple.

Festivals

The temple celebrates several important festivals, including:

1. Mahashivaratri (February-March)
2. Navaratri (September-October)
3. Tirukarthikai (November-December)

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Century/Period

1000 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Nagapattinam

Nearest Railway Station

Nagapattinam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple