The Significance - Tirukovilur or Tirukoyilur, is one of the 'Ashtaveeratta sthalam'. Ashta Veeratta Sthalam (also called Ashtaveertanam or Atta Veeratanam) are the eight temples of Hindu god Shiva that commemorate his eight acts of valor.
Tirukovilur is renowned for the Trivikrama Perumal Temple, which holds a significant place as one of the 108 Vaishnava Divya Desams. This temple is not only a place of worship but also a site where a remarkable event unfolded in the lives of the first three Alwars. The story goes that Poigai Alwar, Budatalwar, and Peyalwar coincidentally crossed paths at 'Tirukkoyilur'. As night fell, Poigai Alwar, feeling drowsy, stumbled upon a small pial at the entrance of a house, just big enough for one person to lie down and rest. Soon after, Budat Alwar arrived and asked to share the space with Poigai Alwar. Poigai Alwar agreed, mentioning that the pial could accommodate two people sitting down for the night. Before long, Pey Alwar also arrived, seeking shelter from the rain. The two Alwars already present made room for the newcomer, realizing that the only option was for all three to stand together due to the limited space available. As they conversed about their spiritual journeys, they sensed the presence of an unseen fourth entity trying to join them. Through their divine insight, the three Alwars recognized this mysterious figure as Lord Vishnu himself, orchestrating their meeting and uniting them in a divine purpose.
It is also the birthplace of King RajaRaja Chozha, revered as 'Tirumurai Kanda Chozhan' who built the Tanjore temple.
Tirukuovilur is geographically divided into two divisions, Melur and Keezhayur. Veeratteswarar Temple, which is classified as one of the Attaveeratta temples, is on the serene bank of the 'Thenpennai' River in the Keelaiyur region. Trivikrama Perumal Vaishnava Temple recognized as one of the 108 Divya Desams, is situated in the Melur division of Tirukuovilur. Swamy Veerateshwarar and Ambal Shivanandavalli are in two different temples adjacent to each other. Both the temples are enclosed by walls around, and are oriented towards the west. Furthermore, both temples boast impressive three-tiered gopurams that add to their grandeur and spiritual significance. Ambal Shivanandavalli's temple is to the left of Veerattheshwarar temple. Moreover, the open ground surrounding these two temples is generously spacious.
Temple Layout - Upon entering through the gopuram of Veeratteswarar temple, one is greeted by the sight of an armoured Dwajasthambam and Nandi. The outer prakaram does not house any sannidhis, but the top of the gateway is adorned with idols of Pancha-murti. To the left of the entrance stands a sculpture of Meiporul Naayanar on a pillar, while to the right is the sannidhi dedicated to Vinayaka. It is said that this particular Vinayaka was worshipped by the renowned poet-saint Avvaiyar. Legend has it that when Sundarar and Cheraman Perumal Nayanar embarked on a journey to Kailasha,on a white elephant and a horse respectively, they invited Avvaiyar to join them. Avvaiyar, engrossed in her worship of Vinayaka, was hesitant to leave. However, Vinayaka appeared before her, reassuring her that he would personally escort her to Kailash. Avvaiyar then proceeded to complete her worship of Vinayaka by singing 'Vinayakar Agaval'. Once she finished, Vinayaka gently lifted her with his trunk and transported her to Kailash ahead of Sundarar and Cheraman Perumal Nayanar. The walls next to the Vinayakar sannidhi are adorned with beautiful reliefs depicting this heartwarming tale, showcasing the divine intervention of Vinayaka in Avvaiyar's journey to Kailash.
Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai, Gajalakshmi and Nataraja Sabha are the other sannidhis that are found to the left of the entrance.
The 14th-century saint poet Arunagirinathar has one song in praise of Lord Muruga here. Lord Muruga graces the devotees as Arumuga, with six faces and 12 holy hands, mounted on his peacock with his two consorts, Valli and Deivanai.
The presiding deity, Andhakasura Samhara Murthy Veeratteswarar is exceptional and is a large 'Swayambhoo Lingam' guarded by Dwaraplakas. Nearby are the 'Urchava' idols of Narasinga Munaiyaraiyar and Meiporul Nayanar. The 'goshta murtha's of Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbhava, Brahma, and Goddess Durga can be seen as panels on the wall around the santum. Goddess Durga’s idol here is very unique. Although the idol is sculpted in black granite stone, her eyes appear white in color, much like the human eyes.
The temple of the female deity Shivanandavalli has an impressive 3-tier gopuram. Vinayaka and Subramanya guard their mother, Shivanandavalli, as Dwarapalakas. A Nandi and balipeetam is in front of the sanctum. Goddess Shivanandavalli is depicted in a standing posture, radiating beauty, with her four divine hands in the Abhayavarada gesture, symbolizing fearlessness.
3 tier tower - Veeratteswarar Temple
3 tier tower - Shivanandavalli Temple
Nandi in Veerateswara temple
Sculpture depicting Avvaiyar's journey to Kailash
Dhakshinamurthy
Vinayaka worshipped by Avvaiyar
Murugar with his two consorts