Veeratteswarar Temple, Thirukkovilur – Religious Significance

Veeratteswarar Temple, Thirukkovilur – Religious Significance

Atta Veerattanam:

In Hindu mythology, there are eight special places where it is believed that Lord Shiva vanquished various demons and exhibited acts of bravery. These places are Veeratta Sthalams. In Tamil, this is referred to as Atta Veerattanam (Atta means eight and Veeram means bravery). This is the place where Lord Shiva destroyed the demon Andakasuran. Of the eight Veeratta sthalam, this is the second one and it has significant historical importance and antiquity.

The other seven Veeratta Sthalams are –

·        Thirukkandiyur where one of Lord Brahma’s five heads was plucked;

·        Thiruvathigai where the three forts – Thiripuram were burnt;

·        Keezha Parasalur where Daksha Yaga was stopped & he was killed;

·        Thiruvirkudi where the demon Jalandasuran was killed;

·        Thiru Vazhuvur where the elephant Gajasuran was vanquished;

·        Thiru Korukkai where Manmathan was burnt and later blessed;

·        Thirukkadaiyur where Lord Yama was kicked and punished.

Paadal Petra Sthalam:

Thirugnana Sambandar, a 7^th Century Tamil Saivite poet, venerated Veeratteswarar in ten verses in Thevaram, compiled as the First Thirumurai. Appar, a contemporary of Sambandar, also venerated Veeratteswarar in ten verses in Thevaram, compiled as the Fifth Thirumurai. As the temple is revered in Thevaram, it is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon. This Temple is the 11^th Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. Appar is believed to have visited the temple during the series of visits from Thiruvennainallur to Thiruvamathur and Pennadam.

Vinayakar Agaval:

The famous Vinayakar Agaval by poetess Avvaiyar dedicated to Vinayaka was sung in this temple.

Thirupugazh Sthalams:

Lord Muruga of this temple is praised in the Thirupugazh hymns of Saint Arunagirinathar. Hence, the Temple is considered as Thirupugazh Sthalams.