Description
The Veerattaneshwarar Shiva Temple is a lord Shiva temple that is located in Thiruvadigai Village, 2 km east of the Panruti town, taluka in Cuddalore district in state of Tamil Nadu. The town is located between Viluppuram and Cuddalore. The head deity of the temple is Veerattaneshwarar. This temple is one of the eight veera Lord Shankar temples in Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
History
The temple was built in by Pallava king Mahendravarman in 6th century AD. It was originally a Jain place of worship. But later, king converted his religion from Jainism to Hinduism, he demolished the temple. Lord Shiva temple was built in its place. Although the temple has Hinduism architecture, it still boasts some of the Jain relics, because of this history. The demolished Jain temple remains provided the materials for building of the current temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is also a Vishnu temple nearby the Veerattaneshwar temple.
This is a historic temple built in early sixth century. The temple is also associated with Nataraj, the dance form of lord Shiva. According to history, there was a cosmic dance of Lord Shankar at this holy place. The dance glorified Thiruguna Sambanthar, only at this temple. There is also one more legend attached with the temple. Appar's sister Thilakavathiyar stabilized herself at this place during her later years and worshipped Lord Shiva for rest of her life.Thirunavukkassar, the notable saint of ancient era, visited the temple & wrote hymns and praises of the deity. Thilakavathiyar's brother worshipped for salvation and liberation from pains at this temple. He was blessed by Lord Shiva and therefore got cured. He was served by her sister. Also, another renowned saint Arunagirinathar has wrote several hymns about the temple. Lord Shiva killed three demons at this temple and also destroyed the cities created by them. The saram (arrows) with which Shiva killed the beasts was given by Saranarayana Perumal, another name of lord Vishnu. Thus the name is Saranarayana. Panruti also has the Vishnu Saranarayana Perumal temple.
Importance/Significance
The temple consists Lord Shiva in Swayambumurthi, which is large in size with sixteen stripes on it. As described earlier, Thilavathiyar dedicated her life for the service of temple. When Appar was suffering from stern stomach ache, he was cured by the sacred ash provided by his sister. This made him devotional poet and he sang the hymns dedicated to the lord. The devotees come to the temple for curing their physical pains, and with the blessings of Veerattaneshawarar, they are relieved from three basic evils in human nature. That is, Aanvam-arrogance, birth after birth i.e. Kanma and illusionary trap i.e maaya jaalam.At this temple, Lord Shiva is also prayed as Shri Samharamurthi known as Tirukedilavanar. The belief exists that Lord Appar is praying himself in the temple sanctorum. It is believed that the visitors visiting this temple get the punya (rewards) of visting the abode of Lord in Kailash parbat (located in the most northern Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir)
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
This is very renowned temple for curing physical pains especially stomach related diseases. The ulcers, kidney stones, severe stomach pains are cured with the blessings of deity. The holy ash is the cure for every physical pain. People throng in large numbers to free themselves of their sins. The child seeking couples consume the milk used in abhishek of the lord. the milk used in abhishek of the lord.
People decorate the temple with garlands, coconuts and various other forms of pujas. Abhishek is performed to mother with turmeric. Offering mangal sutra to mother, offering clothes to mother and feeding her, are some of the common customs at this temple.
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