Veerattaneswarar Temple, Thiruvathigai – Literary Mention

Veerattaneswarar Temple, Thiruvathigai – Literary Mention

Thirugnana Sambandar, a 7^th 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 39^th Devaram Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 7^th 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.