Thirukkadaiyur Veeratteswarar temple

This is the eighth Veeratteswarar temple. The place is connected to the slaying of Yama by Lord Shiva to save Sage Markandeya from death. 

The temple is known as Amrutaghateshwarar temple. The temple is located at Thirukkadaiyur on the Mayiladuthurai - Karaikal route at about 32 kilometers from Mayiladuthurai.

This is one of the 276 Paadal Pethra Sthalams. Appar and Sundarar have sung sacred hymns on Lord Shiva of the temple. This is also considered as one of the shakti peetha. 

Mulavar: Sri Amrutaghateshwarar,

Devi: Abhirami Amman

Kshetra vruksha: Bilva, Gulabi Chameli (Pinjalam or Jathi Malli in Tamil)

Sacred Teertha: Amruta pushkarini, Ganga Teertha, Shiva Ganga Teertha, Markandeya Teertha and Kalateertha

Puranik name: Thirukkadaiyur, Bilavavanam, Pinjalamvana

Present name: Thirukkadaiyur

District: Nagapattinam, Tamilnadu

The west facing temple has five prakarams, parikramas and seven tiered Rajagopuram. Lord Shiva is a swayambhu shiva linga. Temple is about 2000 years old. There are fifty four stone inscriptions within the temple which indicate the contributions of the kings of Chola, Pandya and Vijayanagara kings. The kshetra vruksha Pinjalam is about 2000 years old. It flowers throughout the year and its flowers are used only for the worship of Lord Shiva in the temple. This vruksha is found in the inner corridor.

About the shrines and idols:

When we look at the shiva linga closely and minutely we can observe an image of another shiva linga behind it. Similar to Lord Muruga who has six kshetras attributed to him, Lord Vinayaka also has six sthalas attributed to him. There is a shrine of Ganesha on the outer parikrama. It is to the right of Nandidev who is facing Lord Shiva. Lord Ganesha in the shrine is known as Kallavarana Vinayaka. And this shrine is third of the six sthalas. Lord Ganesha carries an amrut kalash in his trunk. The utsav murti in this temple is known as Kala Samhara murti. There is a shrine of Goddess Parvati in a parikrama with infant Lord Muruga seated on her lap. She is known as Guhambika.

We have the shrines of Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga with Valli and Devasena, Somaskanda, Nataraja and his consort Shivagami. In the corridor we come across idols of Mahalakshmi, Bilvavaneshwar, Lord Dakshinamurti, Bhikshatanar, Goddess Durga, Ardhanareeswarar and Bhairav and koshta murtis. In this temple there is no navagraha shrine. There is a shrine of Papakareshwar which was worshiped by Sage Agastya. There is another shrine of Punyavaradanar which was worshiped by Sage Pulasti. These shrines are found in the corridor. 

In the inner right hand side wall of sanctum sanctorum there is a yantra. It is known as Thirukadiyur rahasya. It is stated that one has to have darshan first of Papakareshwar, then Lord Shiva and finally yantra, so that his life span will increase. In this place opposite to the shrine of Kalasamhar murti we have Yama idol in worshiping posture with his mount by his side.

Salient features: 

There are six places where one can get rid of fear of Yama namey 1. Thirukkadaiyur, 2. Thiruveezhimalai, 3. Thiruvaikudi, 4. Thiruvenkadu, 5. Thiruvaikavur, 6. Tiruvanchiyam. It is believed that Lord Shiva brought Ganga to help Sage Markandeya to perform Shiva worship at this place. The well (pond) near this temple is believed to have water from Ganges. Water from this well is used only for the abhishek of Lord Shiva. 

There is a huge idol of Lord Shiva as Kala Samhara murti who saved Sage Markandeya from Yama. Lord Shiva has his left leg on AdiShesha; his trident pointing towards Yama and we find Yama at the foot of the other leg of Lord Shiva. By the side we have an idol of bhuta ganas dragging yama with a rope. The idol of Yama at Lord’s feet is kept covered by a metal plate and is removed only at the time of puja. Goddess Parvati is depicted as a small girl along with Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati. She is known as Balambika. There is a scar on the shiva linga which is visible only during abhishek. It is believed to have been made by the rope which was thrown on Markandeya by Yama. And the rope left a mark on the shiva linga as Markandeya was grasping the shiva linga. It is believed that this is 108th shiva sthala where Sage Markandeya worshiped Lord Shiva to escape from Yama. It is believed that siddhas lived around this place especially Pambatti Siddhar. 

Those who worshiped at this place: Lord Brahma, Lord Yama, Goddess Durga, Vasuki, Sages Agastya, Pulasti, Markandeya, Sapta Matrikas, and shaiva saints Appar and Sambandhar.

Kshetra purana:

Lord Brahma once went to Kailas to obtain dnyana upadesh from Lord Shiva. At that time Lord Shiva gave him some bilva seeds and told him that he will give upadesh at that place where the seeds grow into a tree in a short time (about one prahar). When Lord Brahma came to this place the seeds sprouted and became a tree in the mentioned period. Lord Shiva gave upadesh to Lord Brahma at this place. This place is known as Bilva vanam and shiva linga is known as Bilvavananadar. 

It is believed according to the purana that Lord Shiva gave amrut kalash during samudra manthan. The devas forgot to worship Lord Ganesha before partaking amrut. Lord Ganesha took the pot away from them and hid the pot at this place. But the amrut kalash got deeply entrenched and could not be removed and later on this amrut kalash became a shiva linga and Lord became Amrutaghateshwar. This shiva linga is present in the temple. 

Sage Mrikandu and his wife Marudmati got a son by performing penance at this place. The son was known as Markandeya. Lord Shiva blessed them with a son who will be noble, wise but who will live only for 16 years. When Markandeya came to know about his fate he went on pilgrimage to shaiva sthalams. He came to this place which was 108th shaiva sthalam on the day of his destiny. While he was worshiping the Lord Yama came to take away his life, Markandeya embraced shiva linga. When Yama threw his rope on Markandeya it covered the shiva linga also. It is stated in purana that Lord Shiva appeared from Shiva Linga as Kalasamhar murti and destroyed yama with his trishul. He blessed Markandeya that he will be sixteen years forever. Lord Shiva is known as Mrutyunjaya murti and Kalasamhar murti. 

As Yama was killed there was no death taking place on the earth. Bhudevi complained to Lord Shiva and he gave life back to Yama at this place. 

When we have darshan of Kalaasamhar murti without Yama who is kept covered the darshan is known as samhar darshan. When we have darshan with Yama the darshan is known as live darshan (Uoouir-pitha ऊइरपित्त darshan).

Lord Vishnu wanted to perform Shiva Puja before getting the amrut after samudra manthan. In order to perform puja, it is essential to remove one’s ornaments. So Lord Vishnu removed his ornaments before performing the shiv puja. From his ornaments Ambika appeared as Abhirami. It is believed that Mahalakshmi resides in the ornaments of Lord Vishnu. As Ambika appeared from the ornaments of Lord Vishnu, he is worshiped as mother of Ambika. 

Once a staunch devotee of Abhirami known as Subramanya informed the maratha king of Tanjore Saraboji Maharaja that the day was full moon day instead of new moon day. At that time Subramanya was in full concentration and in deep worship of Goddess Abirami. The king got angry and asked Subramanya to prove that it was full moon day or face the death sentence. Subramanya also known as Abhiramibhattar started reciting Abhirami Antaadi i.e. the end letter of the first verse becomes the beginning of the second verse and so on. When he was reciting the seventy ninth verse the earstead of Goddess Abhirami was thrown into the sky by her. It appeared as a full moon in the sky. This day i.e. new moon day of Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb) is celebrated in the temple on a very grand scale. 

Abhirami Antaadi contains 100 verses.

Importance of the Kshetra

On Aswini nakshatra in the Tamil month of Panguni, Ganges appears in the well at Brahmapureeswarar temple in Thirukadaiyur mayanam which is very close by. The water from this well is used only for the abhishek of Lord Shiva on all days except this day when people are allowed to bathe in this water.

By worshiping Lord Shiva with a flower from a Pinjalam, one is believed to have worshiped 1008 times.

According to Purana, one has to worship first Papakareshwar, and then Punyakareshwar, so that all sins are removed and one attains punya. 

Of the 63 Nayanmars, Kari Nayanar and Kungila Kalaya Nayanar lived and attained mukti at this place. Abhiram bhattar who wrote Abhirami Antaadi lived at this place.

Festivals and worships:

1. Chithirai -  Magha nakshatra, Yama samhar festival for 18 days. On the sixth day Kalasamhar murti comes out in procession. 
2. Purattasi
3. Adi Puram
4. Aipassi - skanda shashthi and annabhishekam
5. Masi - mahashivaratri, 
6. Panguni - Uttara phalguni
7. Karthigai - deepam festival. On mondays Shankhabhishek with 1008 conches. Pradosha puja full moon
8. Thai - new moon
9. Special worship on Tamil english new year days

People perform the sixtieth birthday (utkruta shanti) that is known Shashthyapurti, seventieth birthday that is known Bhimarathi shanti, eightieth birthday that is known shatabhishek shanti, ninetieth kanakabhishekam. Besides this people perform janma nakshatra shanti. Ayushya homa and mahamrityunjaya homa to get rid of obstacles in life. Besides this, people perform special worship for wealth, child boon etc.

Thirukurakkai Veeratteswarar temple

This is the seventh shiva temple of the ashtaviratta sthalams. This temple is associated with the destruction of Manmada (Kamdev). The temple is located about 12 kilometers from Mailaduthurai - Manalmedu route. This is one of the 276 Padal Pethra Sthalams revered by Nayanmars. Thirunavukkarasar has sung a hymn on Lord Shiva of this temple. The temple covers an area of 2.5 acres on the northern bank of river kaveri. 

Mulavar: Sri Veeratteswarar, Sri Yogeshwarar

Devi: Sri Dnyanambika

Kshetra vruksha: Haritagi (Hara tree in Marathi)

Puranik name: Kamadahan Puram, Kampakkapuram, Yogeshwar Puram, Thirukurakkai 

Present name: Kurakkai

District: Nagapattinam, Tamilnadu

The shiva linga is a swayambhu linga and is about 1500 years old. The temple is west facing. Has 2 parikramas and 5 tiered rajagopuram. The stone inscriptions indicate the work done by Chola and Vijayanagar kings. The sanctum sanctorum is in the form of a semi circular tank (agazhi in Tamil). The front mandap looks like the forehead of a bat (Vavval in Tamil is bat, nethi is forehead). Hence the mandap is known as Vavval-Nethi-Mandapam.

About the idols and other shrines. 

On the base of shiva linga, there is a lotus flower fixed in it. 

Idols of Ratidevi (wife of Manmada) and Manmada are the utsav murtis in the temple. Lord Ganesha in this temple is addressed as Kurungai (short hand) Vinayaka. Lord Shiva is addressed as Kamadahan murti. He has his right leg hanging down, left leg folded on the lap, right hand in abhaya mudra and the left hand on the left leg. Lord Shiva in this temple is a anugraha murti. There is a separate shrine for kamadahan murti. Goddess Parvati has a separate shrine. Shrine of Lord Ganesha has a gajaprushtha gopuram (Vimanan). Lord Vishnu is known as Sri Soha (Grief) Hareshwarar. It is believed that Lord Vishnu was overcome by grief as his son Manmada was killed by Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu has a separate shrine in the temple. There are shrines of Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivanai, Mahalakshmi, Surya, Chandra and Bhairavar. 

Koshta murtis are Mahaganapati, Lord Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava, Lord Brahma, Goddess Durga and Chandikeshwar are present in the kosht.

There is an idol of Nalvar in the corridor Behind sanctum sanctorum there is a shrine for Lord Annamalai. There are idols of Lord Bhairav and Lord Vishnu on either side of Annamalai in worshiping posture. From the main temple at a distance of about half kilometer there is a place called Vibhoothikuttai. It is believed that Kamadev was burned to ashes at this place. Lord Shiva as Nataraja performed a tandav at this temple known as Veeratandav. Therefore the place (sabha) is known as Kamanashan sabha and Shambhuvinotha sabha. 

Those who worshiped at this place: Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Muruga and Ratidevi. 

Kshetra purana:

According to Puran, this place is associated with the death and rebirth of Kamadev. According to Puran, two demons Surapadman and Dharakan were tormenting the people, celestial gods, angels, and sages. They had a boon that they will be killed only by a son born to Lord Shiva. The devas tried to seek the help of Lord Shiva who was in deep meditation. They feared that Lord Shiva will become angry and they will not be able to face his wrath if they disturbed him. Finally they were able to convince Kamadev (Manmada) in helping them so that they can disturb the meditation of Lord Shiva, so that a son will be born to Lord Shiva. Manmada sent five arrows attached with flowers at Lord Shiva. Finally Lord Shiva was disturbed and he came out of meditation. He became furious on Manmada for disturbing him. He opened his third eye and burnt Manmada to ashes. 

Later on Ratidevi (wife of Manmada) pleaded with Lord Shiva and Parvati to bring back her husband to life. Finally Lord Shiva restored Manmada to life again but he cannot be seen by anyone except his wife. The marks left by the five flowers (lotus) can be seen on the shiva linga even now. Hence Lord Shiva is known as Sri Kamaanganashan and Kamadahanmurti. There are various places around this temple which are associated with this incident. 

The place where Manmada decided to disturb Lord Shiva is known as Kanganaputhur. 

The place where he drank milk is known as Palakudi

The place where he took the bow on hand is known as Villinur

The place where he stringed the arrow is known as Kavalamedu.

The place where all of them assembled to take the bow on hand is known as Javanallur

The place where he finally decided to release the arrow is knowns as Mettukurukkai

It is believed that Lord Shiva meditated under a Haritagi (Harada tree) (it is known as Kadukkai tree in Tamil). Hence Lord Shiva is known as Yogeshwarar. It is believed that tears of joy fell from the eyes of Lord Shiva when he was meditating and mixed in the river Pazhavaru. And now this is known as Dnyanateertha. 

Puran about Kurukkai Vinayaka:

Kai in Tamil means hand. Kuruki in Tamil means shrink or shorten. A sage called Teerthavahu used to worship at various Shiva temples by invoking the river Ganges (Ganga). When he reached this place, he could not get Ganga as the Shoolateertha at this place was considered to be more auspicious than river Ganga. When he tried to get water from Ganges, his hands shrank. He worshiped Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha with the grace of Lord Ganesha he got his hands to original shape. Hence the place got the name Kurukkai. And Lord Ganesha was known as Kurukkai Vinayaka as he has very short arms. Near the idol of Vinayaka we come across the idol of Sage Teerthavahu. 

Festivals and worships:

Margazhi (Dec-Jan): Ardhra festival for 3 days is held. 

Masi (Feb-March) 10 days of Kamadahan festival, Magha nakshatra festival, Mahashivaratri festival, Pancha murti procession. 

Purattasi (Sept Oct) Navaratri

Karthigai (Oct-Nov): On Somwar, special worship is done at night and yantra pooja of yantra in sanctum sanctorum. 

Aadi (July-August): Pooram festival

Panguni (Mar-April): Uthiram festival, Mahashivaratri, New Moon Pradosha pooja

Special worship is held on the Pongal, Tamil New year and English New year. 

People perform putrakameshthi yadnya for child boon

This is a parihar sthala for vargadosha.

Courtesy: https://veludharan.blogspot.com/

Vazhuvoor Veerateshwarar Temple

This Shiva temple is the 6th of the Ashtaveerat sthalam. At this place Lord Shiva killed the rogue elephant (Gajasur). This place is located on Mayiladuthurai – Thiruvarur highway. The temples in which the Nayanmars (Shaiva saints) visited and sung secret hymns are known as Padal Petra sthala. The temples which find a mention in the hymns of Shaiva saints are known as THEVARA VAIPPU STHALAMS. Of the sapta matrikas, Varahi worshipped Lord Shiva at this place as per the directive of Lord Shiva.

The place got the name Vazhuvoor as the place was not submerged during the pralaya (great deluge). This Veerata sthala is believed to be surrounded by Pippli Vanam, Shami Vanam, Daruka Vanam & Badri Vanam. 

Moolavar: Veerateshwarar, Kruthivasar, Gajasamharar, Gajari, Gyansaban

Devi: Balambika, Bala-gujambika, Elankilyai nayaki

Kshetra Vruksha: Shami, Deodhar (India teakwood), Kapuri madura (jadi)

Sacred Teertha: Patala-ganga, Panchamukha teertha

Place: Thiru Vazhuvoor

District: Nagapattinam (TamilNadu)

Puranik Name: Daruka Vanam

The temple has 5 tiered Rajagopuram. The structure of this temple differs from others. There is a tank between Nandi and Sanctum-sanctorum. Lord Shiva in this temple is a swayambhu linga. We can have the darshan of Lord’s feet only at this place. The sacred teertha has 5 wells in it and is known as Panchamukha kinaru well in Tamil. The sacred Teertha is also known as Pancha brahma teertha. The temple is about 1500 years old.

Idols and other shrines:

Lord Ganesha in this temple is known as Selva-Vinayaka. In this kshetra the special feature is the idol of Gaja-samhara Moorthy. It’s a huge one-off Lord Shiva. The Lord has one leg on the elephant's head. He is in the act of skinning the elephant and wearing its skin. Near this idol we find Goddess Parvati carrying infant Lord Muruga on her waist. Her face expresses fear and she is about to turn away from the scene. The infant Muruga is pointing to her towards his father with finger. Just like in Chidambaram temple, here also we have a yantra behind Gaja-samhara Moorthy. The mandap in which Gaja-samhara Moorthy is located is known as Gyansaba. Lord Shiva did a tandav at this place which is known as Urdhwa tandava. There is a separate shrine for Lord Shanishwar. He is standing with a bow in his hand. The teertha in front of the sanctum sanctorum is known as Patal ganga or Eshan teertha. The moolavar has a Nagabhooshan and is very attractive and beautiful. On the walls of sanctum, the ashtaveerat stories are depicted as paintings (murals). There are more than 10 stone carvings carrying various details. At this place Lord Veerabhadra has a dog as his mount. It is believed that he came here to protect Lord Ayyappa who was born to Lord Vishnu in Mohini avatar and Lord Shiva.  The temple has a dhwaja stambha. 

There are idols of 63 Nayanmars, in a mandap. The shrines of Gajalaxmi, Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivanai. Idols of Surya, Chandra, Shani and Bhairava are found in the corridor. There is a separate Navagraha shrine. 

Kshetra Purana:

Once sages of Daruka vanam started feeling that they are greatest and their good deeds are sufficient for them to attain salvation. With this ego, they started feeling that there was no need for grace of the Lords for salvation. Their ego reached a point of no return and their wives also got the same feeling. In order to teach them a lesson, Lord Vishnu as Mohini (a beautiful enchanting woman) and Lord Shiva as Bikshadanar came to Daruka vanam. At the sight of Mohini, the sages were enchanted and captivated. In the same manner their wives lost their sanity at the sight of Bikshadanar. Lord Vishnu disappeared after the manifestation of Lord Ayyappa. This made sages more jealous and angry towards Lord Shiva. They performed a yagnya (homa or Welvi) and created magical (maya) agni, tiger, deer, Mazhu (battle axe), serpent and a demon known as Muyalagan and tried to kill Lord Shiva. But none of them could harm Lord Shiva. Finally they created a rogue elephant (Gajasur) and sent him to kill Bikshadanar. Bikshadanar entered into the belly of the rogue elephant and emerged from its stomach by tearing it. He came out performing a tandava known as Urdhwa tandava. The sages realized their mistake and asked for forgiveness. Lord Shiva is known as Gaja-samhar Moorthy as he vanquished the rogue elephant. 

According to another purana, Lord Shanishwar rages a war in Surya Mandal against king Vikram raja. The king lost the war and he fell into the teertha at this place. He took a bath in the teertha and worshipped Lord Shiva who graced him. When Shani came to know that king Vikram raja was a devotee of Lord Shiva, he asked for forgiveness to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva forgave him but made him lame in the 2nd leg. 

According to kshetra purana, 48000 sages did penance at this place and obtained gyan. 

Festivals and worship: 

Masi (Feb-Mar):10 days festival on Magha nakshatra known as Gaja-samhara utsav. Daily both in morning and evening, worship is held and the procession of the deities is taken off. On the 9th day procession of Gaja-samhar Moorthy is taken out. On the 10th day, the festival known as “Teerthavaari” where the deity are taken to the mandap in temple tank for worship.

Margazhi (Dec-Jan): Ardhra festival for 3 days is held. 

Purattasi (Sept-Oct): Navratri festival

Karthigai (Oct-Nov): On Somwar, special worship is done at night and yantra pooja of yantra in sanctum sanctorum. 

Aadi (July-August): Pooram festival

Panguni (Mar-April): Uthiram festival, Mahashivaratri, New Moon Pradosha pooja

Special worship is held on the Pongal, Tamil New year and English New year. 

People pray here for child boon and marriage. It is believed by worshiping the yantra at this place the effect of black magic and evil spirits are removed. People worship Kruthivasar for mental peace. 

Courtesy: https://temple.dinamalar.com/

Thiruvirkudi Veeratteshwarar temple

This is the fifth Shiva temple of the Ashavirattam Sthala. This temple is situated in Thiruvirkudi in Thiruvarur district of Tamilnadu.

This is the place where Jalandhar samhar took place. This is one of the 276 Paadal Pethra Sthalams on the southern bank of river Kaveri.

Mulavar: Veeratteshwarar

Devi: Parimal Nayaki, Ezhawarkuzhali

Utsavar: Jalandharsamhar murti

Kshetra Vruksha : Tulasi Plant

Sacred Teertha: Chakra Teertha, Shankha Teertha

Puranik Name and Present name: Thiruvirkudi

District: Thiruvarur, Tamilnadu

The temple is about 1500 years old. 

The temple has a five tier rajagopuram with 2 prakarams. Chakra teertha which is in front of rajagopuram is very large. There is a Vinayaka temple near the tank. The shiva linga is a swayambhu on a square pedestal. This is a west facing temple and the Devi is facing north in her shrine. 

Other shrines and idols:

On entering the temple there is a Nagalinga. In the shiva temple there is an idol of Lord Vishnu in outer parikrama. The place where Lord Shiva restored Vrinda (Jalandhar asura’s wife) to life as Tulasi is nearby. Shrines of Ganesha, Mahalakshmi, Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivanai, Lord Bhairav, Nalvar, Somaskanadar and Navagrahas are in the outer prakara. There is a well in the temple known as Dnyana Teertha. We have Lord Brahma, Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lord Vishnu, Nardana Ganapati, Goddess Durga, as koshta murtis.

Special features:

This place is considered as vastu dosha nivrutti sthala. People believe that taking a small stone for the construction of the house removes the vastu dosha. This is a parihar sthala for pitru dosha. This place is famous for Maruti worship. 

Kshetra purana:

Once Lord Indra came to Kailash, with the ego to have darshan of Lord Shiva. When Shiva came to know about it, he stood at the entrance as a servant (guard). He obstructed Lord Indra from entering kailash. Indra got angry and struck the guard with his vajrayudha. Lord opened his third eye by his anger and Indra came to know that guard is none other than Lord Shiva. And asked for forgiveness. 

Lord Shiva who was in penance, shed a drop of his sweat in the ocean of milk. This drop manifested into a male child. The child tried to snatch the beard of Lord Brahma. A drop of tear from the eyes of Lord Brahma fell on the child. The child was named Jalandhar, as he was born in the ocean of milk from a drop of Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. On growing up Jalandhar wanted a boon from Lord Brahma so that he can rule all the three worlds without fear of death. Finally he got a boon so that as long as his wife Vrinda maintains her chastity in her mind he will not die. After this he started tormenting and torturing and finally he tried to destroy Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared as a brahmin in front of Jalandhar. And with his right leg he drew a circle (chakra) on the ground. He told Jalandhar that he will die when he (shiva) places the chakra on his head. Jalandhar challenged that it will not happen due to the chastity of his wife Vrinda. Vrinda was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Lord Shiva sent Lord Vishnu personified as Jalandhar to Vrinda. On seeing him and feeling him to be her husband Vrinda took him inside. At that instant she lost her chastity as she thought another person to be her husband. At that very instant Jalandhar placed chakra on his head and he was destroyed. When Vrinda came to know about this fact, she cursed Lord Vishnu to suffer in the same way by losing his wife. She jumped into the funeral fire and destroyed herself. Lord Vishnu lost his mental peace because of his action. Lord Shiva drop a seed in the ashes of Vrinda and the plant that came out is known as Tulasi. When a garland made of Tulasi leaves was put in the neck of Lord Vishnu he regained his mental peace and normalcy. Lord Vishnu wanted the chakra from Lord Shiva. He worshiped Lord Shiva with 100 lotus flowers and obtained the chakra. This virata of Lord Shiva is known as Jalandhar samhar.

Appar is said to have spent his last years at this place for upkeep of the temple. 

Festivals:

Saint Appar festival 

Avani (August-Sept) - Ganesh chaturthi 

Purattasi (Sept-oct) - Navaratri 

Aippasi (Oct-Nov) - Annabhishek and Skanda shashthi festival 

Kathigai (Nov-Dec) - Festival of light known as Karthikeya Deepam 

Thai (Jan-Feb) - Makar Sankranti 

Masi (Feb-Mar) - Shivaratri. 

Besides this the daily rituals, weekly pujas and fortnightly pradosha pujas are conducted. Arudra darshan is also celebrated.

Courtesy: https://temple.dinamalar.com/

Thirupariyalur Veeratteshwarar temple

This is the fourth temple in Ashta Veerattanam Sthalangal. It is situated at Keezha Parasalur located on the route from Mayiladuthurai to Sembanar Kovil. This is one of the 276 Paadal Pethra Sthalams on the southern bank of Kaveri and revered by Sambandhar. This place is connected with Daksha Samhar. 

Mulavar: Veeratteshwar, Dakshapureeshwarar, Yagasamharmurti

Utsav murti: Dakshasamhar murti

Devi: Balambika, Ilamkombanyal

Kshetra Vruksha: Jackfruit, Bilva, Parijjat (Pavazhamalli in Tamil)

Sacred Teertha: Uttarvedika, Homakunda, Chandrapushkarini

Puranik Name: Thirupariyalur

Present Name: Keezha Parasalur

District: Nagapattinam, Tamilnadu

At the entrance to the temple there is an iron tent (mandap).

This is a very small temple about 2000 years old facing the west. It has two corridors. There is no dwajasthambam. The Nandi and Balipeeth are in front of Shiva Linga. 

Idols and other shrines:

The Shrine of Ambal is south facing. In front mandap we have Veerabhadra Swamy who has six hands. Ardhajam puja is done only for Veerabhadra Swamy. There is a yantra behind the idol. Dakshasamhar murti is next to devi between Shiva and Ambal shrines. There is a shrine of Vinayaka, Vishwanath, Bhairav, Surya in the Prakaram. The koshta murtis are Goddess Durga, Lord Brahma, Lingodbhava, Lord Dakshinamurti, Chandikeshwar. Lord Subramanya (is known as Senthil Andavar) is standing with one leg on his mount peacock.

In place of dhwajasthambha we have an idol of Siddhivinayaka. A separate shrine is there for the Surya, but there are no Navagraha shrines. Daksha lies down at the feet of Lord Dakshapureeshwarar. We come across idols of Mahaganapati, Karpaga Vinayaka, Mahalakshmi, Kshetrapalakas, Shivasurya and four shaiva saints known as Nalvar. In the main hall we have the utsav murtis of Vinayaka, Veerabhara, Nataraja, and Somaskandha. In front of Veerabhadra’s idol we find the idol of Daksha (with the goat’s head) and his wife. In front of Kashi Vishwanath shrine we have the idol of Kalabhairav and Nardana Vinayaka. 

Special features: Rudra abhishek is a special feature for Lord Shiva as it started from this place. It is believed to be the first temple of Lord Veerabhadra. Lord Surya is believed to have lost a tooth as a punishment from Veerabhadra. Behind sanctum sanctorum on either side we have idols Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma in worshiping posture. Saint Arunagirinathar has sung hymns at this place. 

Kshetra Puran: 

Goddess Parvati who is known as Dakshayani was daughter of King Daksha Prajapati. She married Lord Shiva against the wishes of her father who hated Lord Shiva as he was with matted hair wearing only tiger skin and completely covered with ashes. He wanted to perform a yadnya at this place. He invited all gods, sages, rishis, but not Lord Shiva as he wanted to insult him. Goddess Parvati wished to attend the yadnya. She went to the yadnya against the advice of her husband. She was insulted and her husband was defamed in front of everyone by her father. She could not bear this insult and hence jumped into the homakunda. When Lord Shiva came to know about this event, he sent Lord Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali to destroy the yadnya. Veerabhadra reached this place and destroyed the yadnya. He punished everyone including Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Indra, Surya and Chandra. Daksha’s head was severed by Veerabhadra. Later, on the request of Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva pardoned Daksha and fitted him with a goat’s head. Daksha realizing his mistakes as an atonement prayed to Lord Shiva. His prayers sounded like the bleating of a goat. Hence these prayers are known as chamakams and each of them ends with the sound like a bleating of a goat known as cha me. Lord Shiva added this prayer to Rudram and stated that it should be chanted along with the rudra. 

The yadnya kunda later on became the temple tank. As Daksha conducted yadnya here, the place is known as Daksha puri. 

Since Lord Shiva withdrew all the boons given to Lord Daksha (this is known as Parithal) the place is known as Pariyalur. 

Those who worshiped at this place: Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Lord Indra, Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, Agni, Yama, Vayu, Varun, Kuber and Sapta rishis.

Festivals and worships at this place:

Fortnightly pradosh puja and daily worship is performed

Chitrai (Apr-May) On tamil New year day, six times abhishek is done.

Tamil month of Adi (July-August) On the first day of this tamil month abhishek is done to Dakshasamhar murti

Purattasi (Sept-Oct) Vinayaka Chaturthi festival

Thai (Jan-Feb) Makara Sankranti festival 

Vaikasi (May-June) special abhishek and worship on Shravana nakshatra.

Karthigai (Nov-Dec) Lord Shiva is taken in procession on the last Friday of Karthigai. Utsav murti’s procession is taken on Sunday

Margazhi (Dec-Jan) Arudra darshan 

Adi (July-Aug)  Purva Phalguni festival

Purattasi (Sept-Oct) Navratri festival

Aani (June-July) on Ashwin nakshatra special worship

Aipassi (Oct-Nov) Ashtami worship, Annabhishek

Thai (Jan-Feb) New Moon abhishek and rudra abhishek

Courtesy: https://www.dharisanam.com/

Veeratteshwarar temple at Thiruvathigai

This shiva temple is third in Ashta Veerattanam Sthalangal. This is the Veeratteshwarar temple. It is located at Thiruvadigai which is about two kilometers from Panruti in Cuddalore district. The temple covers an area of about 7 acres. The shaiva saints Sambandhar, Appar and Sundarar have sung sacred hymns about this temple. This is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams.

Mulavar: Veeratteshwarar, Veerattanar, Athigainadar, Thirukedilavanar

Devi: Periyanayaki, Tripura sundari, Umay Amman

Utsavar: Chandrasekhar

Kshetra Vruksha: Bahava (Sara Kondrai in tamil)

Sacred Teertha: Shulaa Teertha, Kadila River, Chakra Teertha, 

Puranik name: Adhigapuri, Thiri adigai veerattanam

Present Name: Thiruvadigai, Kadalur district

The temple has two gopurams, and two parikramas. The temple is about 1500 years old. The rajagopuram is seven tiered and has idols depicting 108 bharatnatyam postures. The second gopuram is five tier and it is the entrance to the second prakaram (corridor). The sanctum sanctorum of Lord Shiva and shrine of devi are in the second parikrama. There is a sixteen pillar hall known as Thiruneetru Mandapam. This was constructed to commemorate Saint Appar’s conversion to shaivism from jainism. In the outer parikrama there is a garden containing trees and plants representing Nakshatra and Rashis. The temple tank is on the southern side entrance of the second rajagopuram. Nandi can be seen from the entrance of the second parikrama.

Other idols and shrines:

The sanctum sanctorum houses a huge swayambhu shiva linga. There are sixteen stripes of sacred mark on the Shiv Linga. In the sanctum there is an idol of Ayyar Appar. The entrance to the temple is from the south gate. On the Viman (tower) above the sanctum we come across the sculpture of the Tripurasamhar murti with twelve hands. The shadow of the gopuram of mulavar’s shrine does not fall on the ground. Which is the same case at Tanjore and Kanchipuram temples. 

There are idols on all the three sides of sanctum sanctorum and the gopuram which give a chariot like appearance. The koshta murtis are Lord Dakshinamurti, Durga, Chandikeshwar, and Ardhanareeswarar. In the shrine of Devi we find Shiva Linga believed to have been worshiped by Lord Vishnu. Devi’s shrine is to the right of Lord Shiva’s shrine. Lord Muruga’s shrine is behind Devi's shrine on the western corner. Inner prakara has a shrine of Thilakavathiyar (sister of Saint Appar), 63 Nayanmars, Shanishwar, Durga, Siddhivinayak, Lord Muruga, Shiva Lingas, Nataraja, and Surya. The temple tank is named as Chakra Teertha has a mandap at the north and is known as Vasant Mandap. The temple was originally constructed by Pallava king Mahendra Verma I. He demolished a Jain temple and constructed the present one as he got converted into Shaivism. From the remains of the original Jain temple he built another shiva and vishnu temple. A king named Kalingarayan made several endowments and built additional structures in the original temple. 

Kshetra Purana:

This place is associated with Tripura Samhara. Three demons namely Tarakasur, Kamalaksha, Vidyunmali performed penance and got boon from Lord Brahma. This made them powerful without any fear of death. When deva, sages and others were harassed by these demons, they prayed to Lord Shiva. Heeding to their pleas he decided to destroy the demons. He made Earth his chariot, Sun and the Moon as his wheels, Lord Brahma as his charioteer and devas as his army. He had meru mount as his bow, Vasuki as a chord, Vishnu as bow and agni. When he mounted the ratha, the axel broke as he forgot to pray Lord Vinayaka. After praying to Lord Vinayaka, he mounted the ratha. Lord Shiva started laughing and a fireball came out of his mouth. The fireball burned the demons to ashes. Thus he redeemed the pride of devas. Later he pardoned the three demons. Two of them, he made them his dwarapalakas and one he made the player of his musical instrument known as Kudamuzha (a sort of pipe). As per another purana, this is the place where Lord Shiva destroyed the three demons and three cities created by them. Lord Vishnu as Saranarayana perumal helped him by giving an arrow. As per Shiva purana, the demon Tripuran was annihilated by Lord Shiva and the city of Tripura was destroyed by him. Shiva attained the name of Tripurantaka. Lord Shiva dipped his three fingers into the ashes of these cities and wore the ash on his forehead. This signifies the three lines of ashes worn by Lord Shiva. 

Thirunavukkuarsar was earlier known as Vageesar. His sister was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. She wanted her brother to leave Jainism and become a shaivaite. When Thirunavukkuarsar was suffering from an incurable disease, she convinced her brother to come to this place and made him believe that he would be cured by Lord Shiva. Vageesar visited this temple and sang hymns and worshiped Lord Shiva. On the instruction of Lord Shiva he took a dip in the temple tank and drank water from it. He was instantly cured of his disease. Lord Shiva named him as Navukkuarsar for the first time. Later on the name struck to him and he became known as Thirunavukkuarsar. There is a separate samadhi for Thirunavukkuarsar and his sister. 

Lord Shiva granted darshan to Appar in bridal form. Appar had entered the temple and Sundarar had not entered. When he was asleep by the side of the temple an old man trampled his hand. Therefore Sundarar avoided him by turning in another direction, but still the old man stepped on his hand. Lord Shiva appeared in front of Sundarar as the old man vanished. This temple is called as Siddhapureeshwarar temple near Panruti.

The tradition of breaking coconut on the ground by throwing it (sitharathengai in Tamil) started at this place. 

Those who worshiped here: Lord Indra, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Pandavas, Saptarishi, Vayu, Varun, Yama. All these devas came to worship Lord Shiva in their chariots. So the temple is designed as a chariot. 

About the temple: Thevaram hymns were uttered first at this place. All Shiva agamas were first formulated here. Chariot festival and chariot design started from this place. Maximum number of thevaram hymns started from this place. 

Festivals:

1) Fortnightly worship on pradosham, new moon, full moon, chaturthi.

2) Special worship on Krittika nakshatra

3) Special worship on Mondays and Fridays besides daily worship

4) In the month of Chithirai (Apr-May) 10 days Vasant Utsav is held and the mulavar is paraded on different mounts. The shatabhisha nakshatra festival is associated with Appar’s salvation.

5) Vaikasi (May-June) 10 day Brahmotsavam festival. Pancha murtis are paraded on various mounts.

6) Adi Purva Phalguni festival for 10 days

7) Margazhi (Dec-Jan) 1 day Ardra darshan festival. Manik Vasagar utsav for 10 days.

Courtesy: Following sites

1. https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/ and

2. https://temple.dinamalar.com/en/

3. http://www.indiatemples.in/

Thiru Kovilur Veeratteshwarar temple

This shiva temple is the second of the eight veeratteshwarar temples. It is located at Kizhur (or Kizhaiur) in Thirukovilur (Villupuram district). This is one of the 276 Padal Pethra Sthalams. Several Nayanmars have sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. The place is associated with the destruction of demon Andhakasur. The temple is about 2000 years old. 

Mulavar: Veeratteshwarar, Andhakaantanadar, 

Utsavar: Andhakarsamhar (vadha) murti.

Devi: Sivanthavallie, Periyanayaki

Kshetra Vruksha: Bahava, Bilva

Kshetra Teertha: Thenpennai River,

Puranik Name: Thirukovilur, Andhakapuram

District: Villupuram, Tamil Nadu

The shiva linga is a swayambhu linga. Even after digging about 25 feet, the base of the linga could not be reached. The temple has two rajagopuram both facing west. They are three tiered and about 70 feet in height. There are two parikramas (or Prakarams) in this temple. Both mulavar and devi’s shrines face the west. In this place Lord Shiva himself is Bhairavar. We find a number of Chola and Pallava stone inscriptions in the temple. The idol of devi is about 5 feet. 

Other shrines and idols:

We have shrines of Periyanayaki and Ganapati. In the koshta we have koshta murtis. We have the shrines of Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivanai, Nardana Ganapati, Goddess Meenakshi and Sundareshwara, Goddess Vishalakshi and Kashi Vishwanath, Goddess Abhijit Gujaambal and Arunachaleshwarar. We have a shrine of Meipporul Nayanar at the entrance of the temple. We have the Shiva Lingas of Chidambareshwar, Agasthishwarar, Kalahastishwarar, Jambukeshwarar and Ekambareshwarar i.e. we can have the darshan of Pancha Bhuta Lingas in this place. The idols of Nataraja, Varadaraj Perumal, Gajalakshmi and 63 Nayanmars on the corridor. There is a shrine of Navagraha, Surya, and Chandra. In the koshta we have the koshta murtis, Lord Brahma, Lingodbhava, Ashtabhuja Durga, Chandikeshwarar, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Dakshinamurti. Lord Muruga is with six faces and twelve hands and seated on a peacock and is known as Lord Shanmukha.

Special Features:

Shaiva saint (poet) Avvaiyar has sung a hymn praising Lord Ganesha. Since Lord Shiva is a Bhairav there is a belief that people can get rid of black magic effect by worshiping at this place. It is stated that this place is responsible for the birth of Vastushastra. Shukra got rid of his curse at this place. This is the  place where sapta matrikas manifested. The devi Mahatripurasundari (Bhairavi) manifested at this place. This is the place where the sixty four Bhairavas manifested.  

Greatness of the temple:

There is a rock where the great tamil sangam period poet Kapilar attained his nirvana by fasting. He lived in a nearby place known as Perur. Here the daughters of King Pari (known for his charity) got married to King Deiveekan of this place. 

This is the place where Saint Arunagirinadar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Muruga. This is the birth place of Meipporul Nayanar, Narasingha Munaya Nayanar.

Ashtabhuja Durga in the parikrama has a calm and beautiful face with white eyes and black pupil. 

It is believed that  by worshiping her one can get rid of marriage obstacles. 

Periyayanai Ganapti:

It is believed that Lord Ganesha gave darshan to Avayyar and told her not to hurry with the worship. By taking vishwarup, he took the saint to Mount Kailash for darshan of Lord Shiva before the saint sundarar and the King Cheraman reached there. Lord Ganapati known as Periyayanai Pillayar.

Lord Muruga had annihilated a demon and therefore he was affected by Brahmahatya dosha. He requested Ambika for a suitable place to perform Shiva Puja as an atonement. Ambika in order to show him place, threw a spear towards the earth. The place where it fell was known as Thirukaivelur which later on has become Thirukovilur.

This place is also one of the 108 Divya Desham temples. 

There is Vishnu temple nearby where Lord Vishnu is known as Ulaganadar Perumal

Kshetra Purana:

Once Goddess Parvati closed the eyes of Lord Shiva playfully. As the eyes of Lord Shiva represented the sun and the moon, the world beccame totally dark. i.e. Andhakar or Ignorance. A giant (demon) named Andhakasur manifested due to this event. Lord Shiva struck him on the head with the club in his hand.  The demon began to bleed. From every rop of blood, a new demon started manifesting, Goddess Parvati as Kali collected the blood in Kapala (skull bowl) and drank it so that she prevented the blood from falling on the ground. The blood that had fallen below became eight vertical and eight horizontal lines forming 64 squares. From each square a demon manifested. Lord Shiva created 64 bhairavas (one for each square) and prevented further manisfectation of demons. This later on came to be known as vastushanti puja for bhairavas. This also signifed the destruction of ignorance leading to Enlightenment. 

Those who worshiped here:

Lord Vinayaka, Lord Muruga, Lord Shriram, Lord Parashuram, Lord Shri Krishna, Lord Indra, Lord Yama, Lord Surya, Kubera, Adishesha, Goddess Kali, Sages - Roma, Kanva, Patanjali, Vyaghrapad and Sapta rishis.

Pujas and fetivals:

Regular daily puja, pradosha puja, and weekly pujas are performed regularly. In the Tamil month of Masi (Feb Mar) there is 13 day festival on the magha nakshatra. On the 13th day, Andhakasur Samhar murti is taken in procession on the sixth day.

In the Tamil month of Karthigai, on the third monday a special worship is held. 

In the tamil month of Adi (July-Aug) special worship on Fridays known as Shukrawar puja is held.

In the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct) 19 day Navaratri festival is held. 

In the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct-Nov), Anna abhisek, Skanda shashthi festial and Sura Samhar are held. 

In the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan) Ardra festival and Manikavasagar festival are held.

In the Tamil month of Ani (Jun July) Thirumanjanam festival is held.