Sri Veerataneshwar Temple is ascribed to the worship of Bhagwan Shiv as Sri Veerataneshwar. It is one of the “Padal Pettra Sthalam Temples” which means that the significance of the temple is praised in the Saiva holy scriptures. This is also one of the Nadunadu Shiva temples.
The temple is situated at Thiruvadhigai near Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. The place is also colloquially called as Panruti. Thiruvadhigai is earlier known as Adhikarapuri.
There are eight Veerataneshwara temples. “Veeratane” means daring deeds done by Bhagwan Shiv. As per the legend, it is believed that Bhagwan Shiv had diminished the Thiri Purams built by the three demons namely Tharakatchan, Kalatchan and Vithunamali. He had tackled the demons riding on a chariot with Vedas as four wheels, Meru as the bow, Vasuki as the chord and Vishnu as the arrow.
The place where the Thiri Purams were diminished is believed to be this place. Hence this place is also called as Thiripuram.
As per another legend,
Sri Appar (Thirunavukkarasar) had returned to Saivism at this place only. He had also attained salvation at this place;
Thevaram hymns were first recited only at this temple;
In Thevaram, this temple is specially mentioned the greatest number of times;
Shiva Agama puja rituals are formulated only at this temple; and
Designing of temple cars and rituals for conducting temple car festivals are formulated in this temple;
The temple lies in the northern bank of the Kedilam river.
The temple is constructed as per Dravidian architecture. As per inscriptions, the temple was under the patronage of Pallava Kings. A King named Kalingaraya had donated enormously for the temple.
Chola King Rajaraja Chola is said to have stayed in the temple to study the architecture before commencing the construction of Thanjavur Brahadeeshwara Temple. The temple was expanded later during Pandiya Kings regime.
The Rajagopuram is seven tiered. It depicts 108 poses of Bharatha Natyam.
Past the Rajagopuram, we cross another five tiered gopuram to reach Dwajasthambam.
The mandapam near the entrance has 16 pillars and it is called as Thiruneetru mandapam. It is believed to be constructed as desired by Sri Thilagavathiyar, the sister of Appar who had returned to Saivism.
In the main sanctum, Bhagwan Veerataneshwarar is in the form of a huge Shiv Ling. He is also worshipped as Sri Thripuranthaka.
The revered Shiv Ling has 16 vertical stripes. Bhagwan Shiv is also worshipped as Sri Samhara Murthy.
The main sanctum is designed as the temple car (Ther).
The wedding of Bhagwan Shiv and Sri Parvathi are depicted here.
In the inner prakaram, there are two sannidhis for Sri Appar Swamy.
In the outer prakaram, there are separate shrines for Panchamukha Lingam, Vishnu Lingam and Pandava Lingam.
The temple tank is called as Chakra Theertha Kulam.
The sthala Vruksham is Sarakkondrai maram.
The Sadayam Star-day of Chithra is the salvation day of Sri Appar swamigal. That day is observed with special prayers. The other major festivals celebrated at this temple are Vasantha Urchavam in March-May, Vaikasi Brahmosthavam in May-June, Adi Pooram festival in July-August, Manicka Vasagar Urchavam and Thiruvadhirai in Margazhi in December – January.
Special Pujas are done all Pradosham, Shiv Rathri, Navarathri, Deepavali, Varusha Pirappu, Krithika Star-days, Vinayaka Chathurthi and Pongal festivals.
Thrishadi Archana, Sahasra Nama Archana, Abhishekam to Bhagwan Shiv, Turmeric Abhishekam to Sri Parvathi Devi are some of the puja rituals followed in this temple.
The temple is open from 06.00 A.M to 12.00 Noon and from 05.00 P.M to 08.00 P.M.
It is ardently believed that worshipping at this temple will alleviate the ill effects of karma. As Bhagwan Shiv had cured the severe stomach pain of Appar at this place, worshipping here is also believed to cure the stomach related ailments. It is also considered auspicious to conduct weddings at this temple as obstacle in fixing marriages are alleviated.
This temple can be reached from Panruti bus stand by auto. Panruti is one of the prominent towns near Cuddalore of Tamilnadu with good bus connectivity. Taxis can also be booked.
