Veeratteswarar Temple, also known as Thirukoilur Veerattam Temple, is situated in Tirukoilur, within the Kallakurichi district of Tamil Nadu, and it is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. Shiva is venerated here as Veerateeswarar, and his consort Parvathi is worshipped as Periyanayagi. The temple has a well-known legend associated with it.
Thirukovilur Veeratteswarar Temple Story
According to Hindu scriptures, Shiva took on the form of
Andhakasura Samhara Murthy to vanquish the demon king Andhakasura. Andhakasura had
acquired near-immortality through intense penance to Brahma, the Hindu god of
creation. However, the boon he received came with the condition that he would
be defeated when he lusted after his own mother. He misused his powers and
caused havoc among humans and celestial deities. During one such confrontation,
he began to lust after Parvathi, who was Shiva's wife and regarded as his
mother. In response, Shiva assumed the form of Andhakasura Samhara Murthy and
eliminated Andhakasura using his trident. Realizing his mistake, Andakasura
implored Shiva to grant him devotion in his next life, a request to which Shiva
readily agreed. Andakasura was subsequently reborn as Gana Bhringi.
According to the legends, Shiva is believed to have defeated
eight different demons, including Andakasuran, Gajasuran, Jalandasuran,
Thirupuradhi, Kaman, Arjunan, Dakshan, and Taaragasuran. Eight temples known as
Ashta Veeratanam temples were constructed to commemorate each of Shiva's
victories in battle and to signify places where he displayed his fierce power.
These eight temples are as follows:
- Tiruvadigai Veerattaaneswarar Temple at Thiruvadigai
- Tirukkovilur Veerateshwarar Temple at Tirukoilur
- Veerateswarar Temple at Korukkai or Thirukkurukkai
- Amirtagateswarar Temple at Thirukadaiyur
- Vazhuvur Verateswarar Temple at Vazhuvoor
- Keelaparasalur Veerateswarar Temple at Tirupariyalur
- Kandeeswarar Temple at Thirukkandiyur
- Tiruvirkudi Veerattaneswarar Temple at Thiruvirkudi
In these temples, Shiva is depicted wielding a bow and
arrow, trident, and spear to symbolize his valor and triumph over the various
demons.