Virabadhreswarar Temple, Thirparappu, Kanyakumari
Virabadhreswarar
Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thirparappu in
Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Veerabhadrar / Jatadharar.
Theertham of this Temple is River Kothaiyar. Thirparappu is the third temple
for the Shivalaya Ottam. This temple is surrounded by natural beauty and
spiritual richness. The temple located in the bank of Kodaiyar River and close
to the famous Thirparappu water falls. The perennial river Kodayar and the
waterfalls add beauty to the place. In Sanskrit, this place was called
Sreevisalapuram.
Legends
The Lord
after destroying the Yagam of Dakshan as Veerabhadra has taken abode over here.
It is believed Sage Vyagrapathar worshipped Lord Shiva here.
History
The
temple has been built around 9th century though some carvings suggest it
existed even before that. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya used to visit
and stay at this temple. King Sree Visakam Thirunal also used to visit this
temple to offer his prayers.
The
Temple
The
Temple is located on the left bank of the river in between the water falls and
the weir. The Temple is enclosed by walls on all sides. This temple is situated
in a very scenic background as the Kothaiyar river makes beautiful waterfalls
near the temple. This temple is one in the Shivalaya Ottam temples. This temple is facing west. Presiding
Deity is called as Veerabhadrar / Jatadharar. This Lord is very sweet for the
sincere worshippers, is in a fierce form.
The
Vimana(roof) of the shrine is adorned with sculptures. A stone Mandapam and a
marker for a secret passage are the other important attractions. The Nandhi, in
this temple, faces the north. At the entrance, on both sides, there are
sanctorums for the Ambal and Vinayagar facing the east. On the outside of the
temple there are statues of Lord Krishna with ghee and Lord Murugan with Vel.
The gold
statue in the temple was kept in the Adhikesava Perumal Temple. The Sanctum is
round shaped at the bottom and cone shaped toward the top. There is an abode
for jvaradevar in the temple. Theertham of this Temple is River
Kothaiyar. There are many old inscriptions in this temple including the one of
the Pandiya king dated to ninth century.
Temple
Opening Time
The
Temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM. The temple
is open for a longer time during festival and other important days.
Festivals
·
Shivalaya Ottam
·
Shivaratri
·
Thiruvadirai
·
Panguni Kodiyetram -
Peruvizha
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Thirunanthikarai, 17 Kms from Vilavancode,
9 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 7 Kms from Kulasekharam, 15 Kms from Marthandam, 15
Kms from Kuzhithurai, 30 Kms from Colachel, 22 Kms from Thuckalay, 36 Kms from Nagercoil,
60 Kms from Kanyakumari and 53 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway
Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.
