Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
This is one of the 275 Thevara Pada Petra Shivasthalam situated in Cuddalore, Pondicherry. In this temple Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Linga - Sri Veerattaneshwarar. This is one of the sacred temples built during the 15th century by the Pallava Kings. This temple is closely associated with the myth of Tripurasura Samhara. The main shrine is in the form of a grand chriot with the resemblance of the chriot of Lord Shiva used to behead the demon Tripurasura. Another significant fact about this temple is that the ‘Vimanam’ of this temple is constructed in such a way that its shadow never falls on the ground. The enchanting crafts work throws lights on the legends from Purana with its colorful pictorial descriptions. It is believed the King Rajaraja Chozhan modled his exemplary work of Brahadeeshwara Temple in Thanjavur based on this temple.
The legend has that the three demons Dharukasha, Kamalaksha and Vidyunmali underwent severe penance and attained several boons. Soon they started to harass the deities and sages, creating obstacles to perform Yagnas and Yagas. The deities approached Lord Shiva to get freed from the atrocities of the three demons. Lord Shiva with his mighty will constructed a powerful chariot with Mother Universe – Earth as the base of the Chariot, Lord Surya and Lord Chandra as its wheel, assigned four Vedas as grand horses to pull the chariot and Lord Brahma as its Charioteer. Lord Shiva constructed a bow with Mount Meru, the serpent Vasuki as its cord and Lord Vishnu as the arrow to shoot and prepared to leave to the battlefield. Unfortunately, the grand chariot failed to serve its purporse because of the absence of primary worship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Immediately rituals were conducted to please Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva resumed his journey to battlefield. All the deities and sages were assembled to witness the ferocious battle of Lord Shiva between the three demons. All were anxiously witnessing Lord Shiva with his boisterous laugh killed the demons instantly. The most compassionate Lord blessed the three demons to remain as his guards in his Abode.
Presiding deity – Sri Veerattaneshwarar/ Sri Samharamurthy/ Thirukedilavanar with his consort Goddess Periyanayaki / Tripura Sundari Thayar
Worshipped by – Thirunavukkarar (Appar), Sundarar, Thiru Gnana Sambandhar, Saint Arunagirinathar, Thilakavathiyar
Sannidhi – Thilakavathiyar and Saint Thirunavukkarasar
Pushkarani – Kedilam River or Dhakshina Ganga, Soolatheertham and Chakkara Theertham are capable to cure all illness and relieve curses. Saint Thirunavukkarasar got relief from acute abdomen pain after singing and priaising the glories of Lord Veerattaneshwarar.
Festival – Car festival, Chithirai Ustavam, Tripura Samhara festival, Vasanthostavam, Chithirai – Sathayam celebrated as Appar’s Thiravathara day, Vaikasi Brahmostavam, Adi Pooram, ten days festival known as Manikkavasagar Vizha in the tamil month Markazhi, Pradosham, Mahashivaratri, Thilakavathiyar Guru Puja.
Saint Thirunavukkarasar and his sister Thilakavathiyar worshipped Sri Veerattaneshwarar in this temple and engaged in self-less service of Lord, cleaning temple premises and its surroundings. As an admiration to the great souls Lord blessed them with separate shrine in the precincts of this temple. Sri Veerattaneshwarar was pleased at the devotion of Appar and appeared before him in bridal attire with his consort Goddess Periyanayaki in this temple. It is believed that whoever visits this temple their Ego, Karma and Illusion would fade away instantly. Holy dip in the temple tank would eradicate all the sins and provides mental peace; it is also capable to cure all ill health and provides virtous offsprings to the childless couple.
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
2 comments:
Hearing these things for the 1st time. thanks Uma.
Its my pleasure.
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