Veerattaneswarar Temple, Thiruvathigai – Literary
Mention
Thirugnana
Sambandar, a 7th century
Tamil Saivite poet, venerated Veeratteswarar in 46 verses in Thevaram, compiled as the First Thirumurai. Appar, a contemporary of Sambandar, also venerated
Veeratteswarar in seventeen verses in Thevaram, compiled as
the Fourth Thirumurai, Fifth Thirumurai and Sixth
Thirumurai. Sundarar, a contemporary of Sambandar, also venerated
Veeratteswarar in one verse in Thevaram, compiled as the Seventh
Thirumurai. As the temple is revered in Thevaram, it is classified
as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 275 temples that find mention in the Saiva
canon.
It is also noteworthy that the Thevaram hymns of the
three saints contain more mention about Tripura Samhara episode. Lord of the
temple purifies all his devotees from the three great basic evils polluting the
human mind. This is the 39th Devaram Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 7th
Sthalam of Nadu Naadu. Saint Arunagiriar had praised Lord Muruga of the temple
in his Thirupugazh hymns. The temple is also praised in the Thiruvasagam hymns
of celebrated Saivite Manicka Vasagar.
