Veerattaneswarar Temple, Kanchipuram
Veerattaneswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Konerikuppam in Kanchipuram Town in Kanchipuram Taluk of Kanchipuram District. Presiding Deity is called as Veerattaneswarar / Veerattagaseshwarar. The Temple is also called as Sakya Nayanar Temple and Veerattagasam Temple. The Temple is considered as Avathara as well as Mukthi Sthalam of Sakya Nayanar. This is one of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in Kanchi Puranam.
Legends
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History
The Temple was built by Pallava King Parameshwara Pallava II. There is an inscription dated to 1136 AD talks about a donation of perpetual lamp by a lady called Sivanai Muzhuthum Udaiyal. Another inscription dated to 1168 AD during Rajaraja Chola II talks about donation of 32 cows by a devotee Sethirayan. Also, another inscription dated to 1181 AD during Kulothunga Chola III talks about temple maintenance. The Temple was renovated by Vijaya Kampana in 1360 AD. Shankaracharya of Kanchi Mutt built the outer compound wall of the Temple.
The Temple
This is a small west facing temple without Rajagopuram. There is an entrance arch facing south. Few broken sculptures can be found immediately after the entrance. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antarala and an Artha Mandapam. There is an idol of Vinayagar on the left side of Artha Mandapam. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found nearby.
Two sets of Lingam can be found in the Artha Mandapam. One set is facing east, and other set is facing west. Also, two set of feet carved on the stone is kept nearby. It is believed that it belonged to Lord Nataraja and his consort Shivagami. There is a beautiful sculpture of Lord Shiva and Parvathi carved on a stone slab can be found in the Artha Mandapam.
Presiding Deity is called as Veerattaneswarar / Veerattagaseshwarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Adhi Lingam is kept in the Maadam behind the presiding deity. Lot of scars were seen on the surface of Adhi Lingam. It is believed that these scars were due to the stones threw at him by Sakya Nayanar.
There is an idol of Sakya Nayanar holding a big stone can be found near Vinayaga Idol. He is facing the sanctum. He is in pose as if he is going to throw stone at Lord Shiva. There is another Nandhi, sitting on a raised platform, can be found on the west side in the outer prakaram. There is a Shrine for Chandikeswarar in his usual location. Except Chandikeswarar Shrine, there is no other shrine in the outer prakaram.
Festivals
Pournami and Pradoshams are celebrated here.
Connectivity
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