Forgotten Temples of Tamil Nadu

 Veerattanathar Temple, Tiruvathigai

This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is over 1500 years old. It was in existence during the reign of Pallava king Mahendravarman (7^th Century CE). The temple was in existence centuries before the Big Temple of Thanjavur was built. King Rajaraja Chola is understood to have taken some ideas of temple construction from here. The temple is located about 2 kilometres from the town of Panruti, which is close to Neyveli. The presiding deity is called Veerttaneswarar and his consort is Tripurasundari. The name is taken from the legend in which Lord Shiva vanquished the Tripura demons. Here Lord Shiva's consort is on the right side of the sanctum sanctorum. 

There are two prakarams in this temple. There is a tower at the entrance to the first prakaram and another tower at the entrance to the 2nd prakaram. Inside these 2 prakarams, the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Shiva and that of female deity is situated. There is no entrance in front of the sanctum. One has to get inside through the south side entrance. On the vimana above the sanctum, one can see the sculpture of Tripura Samhara Murthy with his 12 hands with a stance of Thiripura Samharam. The sivalingam inside the sanctum has 16 faces in it. There are scupltures of Thirunavukarasar and that of his elder sister Tilakavathy.

This temple is associated with the life of Thirunavukarasar, who was one of the principal Nayanmars. In the earlier part of his life, Thirunavukarsar was a follwer of Jainism and gave lectures in support of Jainism. His elder sister Tilakavathy was an ardent follower of Lord Shiva at Tiruvathigai and wanted her brother to become a Shiva devotee. She prayed to Lord Shiva daily for the fulfillment of her desire. Thirunavukkarasar was afflicted with a severe stomach disorder.. At this juncture, he came to Tiruvathigai to visit his sister. Tilakavathy convinced her brother that he will be cured of his diesease by praying to Lord Shiva. He visited the shrine of Lord Shiva at Tiruvathigai and composed Pathigams (Poems of ten stanzas) worshipping Him and requesting Lord Shiva to free him from the immense suffering. Thirunavukarasar, who was known as Vageesar at that time, took a dip in the well situated in the north prakaram and drank the water from the well. Vageesar was completely cured from his disease. It was Lord Shiva who called Vageesar by the name of Navukarasan for the first time. Since then Vageesar was known as Thirunavukarasar. He is also known as Appar to the followers of Saivism. Later, Thirinavukarasar spent time maintaining the lawns around the temple using a spade (Uzhavarapadai). His idols anywhere show him only with this tool.

The temple organises a seven day festival in honour of Appar in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May). Other Nayanmars like Gnanasambandaar and Sundaramurthy have composed songs in praise of the lord here. Hence this temple takes the honour of being named as a “Paadal Petra Sthalam” (a temple which has been honoured by songs by many great devotees or Nayanmars).

The temple is not known very well ouside a small circle. However, I was surprised to find the temple maintained fairly well. I also found that this place is very popular among local people for conducting marriages. Here are some pictures I had taken:

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