Athigai Veerattanathar Temple, Tiruvathigai
Location: Tiruvathigai
Deity known as: AthigaiVeeratteswarar
Female Deity: Tripurasundari
Pathikam: Thirunavukarasar - 16, Sambandar - 1, Sundarar - 1
Gallery - Veerattanathar Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is situated about 2 km southwest of Panruti, on the northern bank of the Kedilam River. Buses from Panruti to Cuddalore pass through Thiruvathigai; visitors can alight at the Thiruvathigai Temple stop and walk a short distance to reach the temple.
Temple Address
Tiruvathigai
Panruti Post
Panruti Taluk
Cuddalore District
PIN 607106
Temple hours
Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Near by Temples
| 1 | Tiru-Navalur - 20 kms | |
| 2 | Tiru-Thuraiyur - 12 kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Maanikuzhi - 16 kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Paathiri-Puliyur - 25 kms | |
| 5 | Puravaar Panankaatur - 28 kms |
Temple Legend - Tripura Samhara
Thiruvathigai stands out as one of the eight sacred sites where the valorious power of Lord Shiva was vividly displayed. It was at Thiruvathigai that Lord Shiva executed the Tripura Samhara, a significant event that took place at Thiruvathigai and it is considered as one of the eight 'Ashta veerattana sthalam'.
The Three Demons of Tripura
According to legend, three formidable demons—Vidyunmali, Tarukaksha, and Kamalaksha—resided in three impregnable, moving fortresses collectively known as Tripura. These celestial cities, fashioned from gold, silver, and iron, drifted through the skies, beyond the reach of ordinary weapons. From their invincible strongholds, the demons spread destruction across the universe, relentlessly tormenting the Devas. Unable to endure their suffering any longer, the distressed celestial beings sought refuge in God Shiva, earnestly appealing to him to destroy the tyrants and restore peace and balance.
The Divine Chariot
Answering their plea, a resplendent celestial chariot was prepared for the divine mission. The four Vedas transformed into four mighty horses to draw it, while Brahma assumed the role of charioteer. The Sun and the Moon became the right and left wheels, and beings from across the worlds gathered to adorn the chariot, forming a vast divine army. Each participant took pride in their role, convinced that their individual contribution would secure victory. Watching this quiet rise of arrogance, Shiva simply smiled—his calm, knowing expression a subtle reminder that all power ultimately rests with him alone.
The Benevolent Smile
That radiant smile of Shiva poured divine grace across all the worlds. Among the inhabitants of Tripura, those demons who remained steadfast in their devotion to him were granted protection and well-being, while those who turned away from devotion met their inevitable end. With nothing more than a gentle, effortless chuckle, Shiva reduced the three mighty fortresses to dust, marking the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the restoration of cosmic balance.
Temples associated with Tripura Samhara:
This sacred site serves as a poignant reminder of the events that transpired, underscoring the power and benevolence of Lord Shiva in vanquishing evil forces and restoring harmony in the universe through his divine grace.
The Story of Tirunavukkarasar
Early Life
In the 7th century, a pious couple, Tiru-Pugazhanar and Mathiniyar, lived in the village of Thiruvamur in Thirumunaipadi Nadu. They had two children — a daughter, Thilagavathiar, and a son, Marulneekiar. During his youth, Marulneekiar was drawn to Jainism and joined a Jain monastery, where he was known as Dharmasena. Meanwhile, Thilagavathiar, after the passing of her betrothed, the military commander Kalipagayar, chose a life of ascetic devotion to Lord Shiva. Distressed by her brother’s conversion to Jainism, she prayed earnestly for his return to the Shaiva path.
The Divine Cure at Thiruvathigai
Around this time, Marulneekiar suffered from a severe and incurable stomach ailment. Seeking relief, he turned to his sister, who brought him to the sacred temple at Thiruvathigai. There, she gave him the temple’s holy water and sacred ash (vibuthi) as medicine, urging him to pray sincerely to Lord Shiva. It is said that the moment Marulneekiar consumed the sacred ash, his pain vanished completely. Overwhelmed with gratitude and divine grace, he composed his first hymn, beginning with the line “Kootru Aayinavaru.”
The Divine Voice
Lord Shiva was pleased by his poetic skill, and it is believed that at this point the lord's divine voice was heard saying that "Marulneekiyar will henceforth be known to the world as 'Thirunavukkarasar' (Thiru-Sri; Navu-Tongue; and Arasar-King) and that his glories will be etched in history forever".
Temple Layout and Architecture
Outer Complex
This vast Shiva temple spans nearly 7 acres, with its majestic east-facing Rajagopuram rising in 7 tiers and crowned by 7 kalasams. In front of the entrance stands the Thiruneerthu Mandapam, a striking 16-pillared hall adorned with intricate sculptures of Rishabharudar, Appar, Mayilvahanan, and a notable figure believed to have contributed to the temple’s renovation.
Along the pathway from the Rajagopuram, visitors can admire exquisite carvings of women in 108 classical dance poses. A grand sculpture of Tripura Samhara Murthy commands attention, beneath which lies another depiction of Gaja Samhara Murthy. Proceeding further, a second 16-pillared mandapam enhances the temple’s architectural grandeur.
Sacred Features
To the south of the outer courtyard lies the sacred tank, Sankara Theertham, while to the north stands a 5-foot-tall statue of Buddha in Padmasana. A five-tiered gopuram serves as the gateway to the inner sanctum, with the Dwajasthambam, Balipeetam, and a Vinayaka shrine positioned between this gopuram and the second mandapam.
Beyond the second gopuram, devotees are greeted by a majestic Nandi flanked by Ganapathy and Murugan. In the southern section of the inner prakaram are the shrines of Thirunavukkarasar and Thilagavathiar, followed by those of Bhairavar, Saneeswarar, and Goddess Durga.
Periyanayaki Sannidhi
Deeper within the complex lies the shrine of Goddess Periyanayaki, whose colorful Vimanam is visible from the entrance of this sannidhi itself. This ornate tower is adorned with vibrant sculptures, among which the depiction of Tripurantakar stands out — shown in a majestic standing posture with twelve hands, holding a trident and bow, one foot on a chariot, and the other raised high — a magnificent example of the temple’s artistic brilliance.
The Main Sanctum - Athikai Veerateshwar
Swayambhoo Lingam
The innermost third prakaram houses the sanctum of the presiding deity, Athikai Veerateswarar, enshrined as a Swayambhoo Lingam (self-manifested form of Shiva). Behind the Moolavar, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi are depicted together in their Tirumana Kolam.
Unique Architecture
The Vimanam above the sanctum, dating back to the Pallava period, stands as an architectural marvel. Its design is so exceptional that it casts no visible shadow at any time of the day, enhancing the mystery and grandeur of this ancient shrine.
Garuda, Brahma, Vishnu, and the Pancha Pandavas are believed to have worshipped Lord Athikai Veerateswarar here. Their devotion adds to the temple’s deep spiritual and historical significance.
Panchamukha Lingam
In the southwest corner of the inner prakaram lies the sacred Panchamukha Lingam, an extraordinary relic from the Pallava era. This unique Lingam features four faces oriented toward the four cardinal directions, while the fifth is said to face upward — a rare sight in Tamil Nadu. Nearby, rows of Shivalingams can be seen alongside the Yagasalai, Navagraha shrines, and the Nataraja Sabha.
Lord Muruga
Lord Muruga is enshrined here with His consorts, Valli and Deivanai. Saint Arunagirinathar has sung two Thiruppugazh hymns in praise of Lord Muruga of this temple.
Historical Significance
Sundarar’s Tiruvadi Deekshai
Out of deep reverence for Saint Thirunavukkarasar, Saint Sundarar chose not to step on the temple grounds where Thirunavukkarasar had once performed Uzhavara Pani (voluntary service in cleaning and maintaining the temple). Instead, he stayed at the nearby Siddhavada Mutt and continued his worship of Athikai Veeratteswarar from there.
One night, as Sundarar slept, he felt someone touch him with their foot and then strike him lightly on the head. Startled and angered, he rebuked the unknown person—only to realize moments later that it was none other than Lord Shiva himself, granting him divine initiation, known as Tiruvadi Deekshai.
Mahendravarman I’s Conversion
King Mahendravarman I of the Pallava dynasty, originally a follower of Jainism, was converted to Shaivism through the spiritual influence of Saint Thirunavukkarasar. It is believed that the king later demolished a Jain monastery and built a Shiva temple named Gunavareswaram near Thiruvathigai, earning him the epithet Gunavareswara.
These two events — the Tiruvadi Deekshai of Saint Sundarar and the conversion of King Mahendravarman I — highlight the profound spiritual and historical importance of the Thiruvathigai temple.
Ashta Veeratta Sthalam
The temples where Shiva is believed to have performed his dance of valor are collectively known as the Ashta (Eight) Veeratta Temples. All eight of these temples are located in Tamil Nadu.
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