Shivalayam Ottam 3- Thirparappu Veerabadhreswarar Temple, Kanyakumari

Address

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

Deity

Veerabhadrar / Jatadharar

Introduction

• Veerabadhreswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Thirparappu in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu.
• Presiding deity: Veerabhadrar / Jatadharar.
• Theertham (sacred water): River Kothaiyar.
• Thirparappu is the third temple in the Shivalaya Ottam sequence.
• The temple is situated near the Thirparappu waterfalls, surrounded by natural beauty.
• The temple is about 7 km from Thirunanthikarai.
• Nearest railway station: Kuzhithurai.
• Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram.

Puranic Significance

• Built around the 9th century, with some carvings indicating it existed even earlier.
• It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya visited and stayed at this temple.
• King Sree Visakam Thirunal is known to have visited the temple for prayers.
• The temple is associated with the story of Lord Veerabhadra, who destroyed Daksha’s Yagam and took residence here.
• Sage Vyagrapathar is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple.
• The temple is a part of the Shivalaya Ottam tradition.

Special Features

• Located on the left bank of the river, between the waterfalls and the weir.
• The temple is enclosed by walls and situated in a scenic location near the Kothaiyar River waterfalls.
• The temple faces west.
• Presiding deity: Veerabhadrar / Jatadharar in a fierce form, yet sweet for sincere worshippers.
• The Vimana (temple roof) is adorned with sculptures.
• Important attractions include a stone mandapam and a marker for a secret passage.
• The Nandi in this temple faces north.
• Ambal and Vinayagar have sanctorums at the entrance, facing east.
• Outside the temple, there are statues of Lord Krishna with ghee and Lord Murugan with Vel.
• The gold statue was kept at the Adhikesava Perumal Temple.
• The sanctum is round-shaped at the bottom and cone-shaped at the top.
• There is an abode for Jura Devar (the fever deity) in the temple.
• Theertham: River Kothaiyar.

Festivals

• Shivalaya Ottam
• Shivaratri
• Thiruvadirai
• Panguni Kodiyetram – Peruvizha (annual grand festival)

Century/Period/Age

9th century

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thirunanthikarai

Nearest Railway Station

Kuzhithurai

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram.

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