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Veeratteswarar Temple

This is the 43rd Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 11th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. During the 6th to 7th century, this place was known as Thirukovalur, which has since evolved into its present name, Thirukoilure or Thirukovilur. The ancient name of this location is Andhakapuram. Situated on the banks of the Thenpennai River, it is one of the Atta Veeratta Sthalams where Lord Shiva vanquished Anthakasuran. Additionally, this sacred place is the birthplace of Meiporul Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars.

Timings

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.p.m.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


The original temple was constructed during the 7th century by Nandhivarma Pallavan and later underwent renovations and expansions under the patronage of various rulers. These included Nandhivarman III and Nirupathungavarman of the Pallavas, the Rashtrakuta Kings like Krishnan III, and several Chola Kings, namely Parantaka Chola, Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I, and Rajaraja Chola III.


The temple holds a significant connection to Rajaraja Chola I, as it is believed he was born here, with his mother being from this region. His sister, Kundavai, made notable endowments, including the donation of a golden flower, 300 sheep (Saava Moova Peradukal), and 2000 kalanju of gold to ensure the perpetual burning of lamps in the temple.


Inscriptions reveal that this site was historically referred to as Thirukovalur, and the presiding deity, Lord Shiva, was called Thiruveeratanamudaya Nayanar.

These records highlight the temple’s ancient prominence and its role as a spiritual center.


Key inscriptions document various endowments over time. During the 10th year of Vikrama Chola's reign, 2400 kuli of land was donated by

Kiliyur Malayaman Nanootruvan Malaiyan alias Rajendra Chola Sethirayan to the Thivunnalikai Sabha of Devankudi for perpetual lamps. In the 2nd year of Rajaraja Chola I's reign, a total of 7000 kuli of land across various fields was gifted by Mambakkilan of Devankudi for worship and offerings. Additionally, during the 4th year of Rajadhiraja Chola II's reign, a tax-free gift of 1½ veli of land was made by Kiliyur Malayaman Periya Udaiyan Iraiyuran alias Rajaraja Sethiyarayan of Perumpadikaval for 30 Sandhi lamps to be lit up to Arthajama Puja.

The temple's history is a testament to its religious and cultural significance, receiving extensive patronage and endowments over centuries.


Puranic Significance :-


Once, in a playful mood, Mother Parvathi covered Lord Shiva’s eyes, which symbolize the Sun and Moon. This caused the world to plunge into darkness, and from this darkness emerged a demon named Andhaka, representing both darkness and ignorance. To save the world, Lord Shiva struck Andhaka with a club, but every drop of his blood that touched the ground gave rise to another demon. To prevent this, Parvathi collected the blood in a bowl. The blood formed a grid of 64 squares, and Lord Shiva created 64 Bhairavas, each guarding a square, to stop the multiplication of demons. This event later became associated with Vaastu Shanti Puja, symbolizing the destruction of ignorance and the enlightenment of knowledge.


In another version from the Shiva Purana, while Lord Shiva was meditating on Mount Mandara, Parvati’s playful gesture of covering his eyes led to her sweat forming a terrifying, blind boy. Lord Shiva declared the boy their child and named him Andhaka. The boy was later gifted to the demon king Hiranyaksha as his son. Following Hiranyaksha’s death, Andhaka performed severe penance to please Brahma, gaining boons of strength and conditional immortality.

However, blinded by power, Andhaka became a cruel ruler and conquered the three worlds.

While searching for a place to stay, Andhaka’s generals discovered Parvathi in a cave. Mistaking her for an ordinary woman, Andhaka tried to claim her, prompting a battle with Shiva. The fight raged for 500 years, with Andhaka’s blood spawning more demons. Mother Parvathi collected the blood in a pot, which formed the 64-square grid of the Vaastu Mandala. Lord Shiva manifested 64 Bhairavas to defeat the multiplying demons. Eventually, Shiva impaled Andhaka on his trident, and the demon hung there until he realized his mistakes. Andhaka then sought forgiveness, which Lord Shiva granted, making him the leader of his Ganas.


The Veeratta Sthalam :  This temple is one of the Atta Veeratta Sthalams (eight sacred sites) where Lord Shiva exhibited his heroic acts of bravery. Of these eight, this site is where Shiva defeated Andhakasura. Unlike other locations, where Shiva pinned demons to the ground, here he lifted Andhaka on his trident until the demon achieved redemption. This place holds historical and mythological significance and is revered for its association with the origins of Vaastu Shastra.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to your Ishta Devata before embarking on a pilgrimage to the temple.
  2. Contact the Temple Devasthanam Information Centre for any queries, temple details, and pooja information.
  3. Reserve your travel and accommodation near the temple in advance.
  4. Take a bath and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
  5. Focus on the Divine and concentrate on the God and Goddess within the temple.
  6. Maintain silence and recite your Ishta Mantram quietly within the temple.
  7. Follow ancient customs and traditions while in the temple.
  8. Respect religious sentiments of others within the temple.
  9. Deposit your offerings in the designated hundi only.


  1. Do not visit the temple for reasons other than worshipping the God and Goddess.
  2. Do not smoke within temple premises.
  3. Do not consume alcohol at the temple.
  4. Do not eat non-vegetarian food within the temple.
  5. Do not seek mediators for quick Darshan, as it may inconvenience others.
  6. Do not carry any weapons inside the temple.
  7. Do not wear headgear like helmets, caps, turbans, or hats inside the temple.
  8. Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  9. Do not take excessive time during Sparsa Darshanam to the God in the Garbhagriha.
  10. Do not buy prasadams from street vendors outside the temple.
  11. Do not encourage beggars within the temple.
  12. Do not spit or create nuisance in the temple premises.


Dress Code

  1. For Men: Shirt & Trouser, Dhoti, or Pyjamas with an upper cloth.
  2. For Women: Saree or Half-Saree with a blouse, or Chudidhar with Pyjama and an upper cloth.

How to reach

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Best season to visit :-


The ideal time to visit the temple is during the winter season, particularly between September and February.


How to reach :-



  1. By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (around 170 km away). From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Thirukoilur.
  2. By Train: The nearest railway station is Villupuram railway station. From the station, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the temple.
  3. By Road: Thirukoilur is well-connected by road to major cities in Tamil Nadu. It is approximately 25 km from Villupuram, which is well-connected by bus and taxi services. You can hire a taxi or use a private vehicle from Villupuram or other nearby towns.


Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Pennaiyar River – This river flows near the temple, contributing to the temple's serene and sacred surroundings.
  2. Thenpennai River – Another river flowing through the region, adding to the water resources of the area.


Nearby Cities:

  1. Villupuram – The district headquarters, approximately 20 km away from the temple.
  2. Cuddalore – A coastal city situated around 35 km from the temple.
  3. Vikravandi – A nearby town located around 15 km away from Tirukovilur.
  4. Tindivanam – About 45 km from the temple, another significant town in the area.