Veerattaneswarar Temple, Thiruvathigai – Prayers
The immense benefit the devotee derives here is total
peace of mind. Every disease will be cured by prayer, stomach related pains and
ulcers in particular by applying the sacred ash and consuming it, freedom from
enemies, disappearance of any curse following the family generation after
generation, releasing the ancestors too from their sins ensuring total
salvation are the benefits awaiting the devotee in this temple. Those seeking
child boon consume the milk used in the abishek of Lord. People also pray for
job opportunities, family prosperity also. Devotees seeking the grace of Lord
Veerattaneswarar are relieved from the three basic evils glued with humans –
viz. Aanavam-arrogance, Kanma, that which follows birth after birth and
illusion. Devotee visiting this temple reaps the benefit of seeing the Lord in
his abode Kailash. Those facing delays in wedding pray here for early good
results. The devotee should bow down while wearing the Vibhuti-sacred ash.
People decorate the entrance of sanctum sanctorum with
garlands (Nilamalai) and do traditional offers as Pottu Kattudhal, offer Mangal
Sutra to Mother, perform Trishadi archana containing 300 or Sahasranama archana
with 1008 names of the Lord, break coconuts, perform abishek to Lord with curd,
fruit juices, green coconut, Panchamritham a mixture of five ingredients,
scented powders, gingelly oil, sandal, rosewater sacred ash Vilwa leaves etc.
and abishek with conches and Kalasas. Abishek is performed to Mother with
turmeric powder. Devotees offer vastras to Mother and Lord. They also feed the
visiting devotees.