Veeravadi Sri Agora Veerabhadrar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Veeravadi Sri Agora Veerabhadrar Temple, Veeravadi, Poonthottam Post, Rudra Ganga – 609 503, Thiruvarur district Phone: +91 – 4366 – 239 105

Deity

Sri Agora Veerabhadrar Amman: Bhadrakali

Introduction

• Location: The Agora Veerabhadrar Temple is situated in Veeravadi Village, in the Thiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu, India.
• Deity: The presiding deity is Agora Veerabhadrar, and the goddess is known as Bhadrakali.
• Theertham: The temple is located near the Arasalaru River, which is considered sacred.
• Age: The temple is believed to be around 1000 years old.

Puranic Significance

• Divine Intervention: According to legend, the Devas in the celestial realm sought Lord Shiva’s protection against the harassment of the demon brothers Amban and Ambasura. To combat this threat, Lord Shiva sent Lord Vishnu and Mother Parvati.
• The Battle: Disguised as an elderly man, Lord Vishnu, with Mother Parvati as his daughter, approached the demons. The brothers, enchanted by Parvati’s beauty, vied for her hand. The old man declared that the stronger brother would win her.
• Victory and Consequence: In the ensuing battle, Amban killed Ambasura. In retaliation, Mother Parvati transformed into Bhadrakali and defeated Amban, incurring the Brahmahatti Dosha (sin of killing). To alleviate this sin, Lord Shiva sent Veerabhadra to drive away the Dosha from Parvati.
• Temple Origin: This temple was constructed in honor of Veerabhadra and Lord Shiva, also referred to as Maakalar, based on the aforementioned narrative.

Beliefs

• Prayers for Women’s Safety: Devotees visit the temple to pray for the safety of women and to seek resolution in marriage-related issues, especially those influenced by Mars (Sevvai).
• Offerings: Women fulfill their wishes by visiting the temple with their fathers on Tuesdays, offering betel leaves and Vilwa garlands to Lord Veerabhadra, along with curd rice as Nivedhana.
• Special Observances: When Tuesdays coincide with Ashtami (the eighth day of the lunar cycle), devotees offer garlands made from eight varieties of flowers and conduct special pujas.

Special Features

• Temple Structure: The temple faces east and features a Rajagopuram (gateway tower).
• Iconography: Lord Veerabhadra is depicted holding a bow, arrow, sword, and danda (staff). His crown features a Linga, while Kali, who defeated the demons, appears fierce.
• Abathsahayeswarar: Before proceeding to marry Mother Parvati, Lord Shiva entrusted Mother Ganga to Sri Veerabhadra’s care, and this location is referred to as Rudra Ganga. Devotees first worship Lord Abathsahayeswarar before offering prayers to Sri Veerabhadra.
• Other Deities: The temple includes a shrine for Lord Srinivasa and Mother Mahalakshmi. The tower above the sanctum sanctorum is of a three-tier design.
• Shivarathri Celebrations: On Maha Shivarathri, four pujas are performed for Veerabhadra and Maakalar in the front mandapam.

Festivals

The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including:

• Chitra Poornima (April-May)
• Vaikasi Visakam (May-June)
• Aadi Pooram (July-August)
• Vinayaka Chaturthi (August-September)
• Navarathri (September-October)
• Maha Shivrathri (February-March)

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Veeravadi

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvarur Station

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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