Veeratteswarar Temple, Tirukkovilur
Location: Tirukkovilur
Deity known as: Veeratteswarar
Female Deity: Shivanandavalli
Pathikam: Tirunavukarasar - 1, Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Veeratteswarar Temple
How to Reach
This temple is situated on the southern bank of the River Pennaru in Tirukkovilur town. The Tirukkovilur railway station lies on the Tiruvannamalai–Villupuram Junction line of the Southern Railway. The town is well connected by regular bus services from Chennai, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, and Tindivanam.
Nearby Temples
| 1 | TiruArayaninallur - 3 Kms | |
| 2 | Tiruvannamalai - 35 kms | |
| 3 | Tiruvennainallur - 23 Kms | |
| 4 | Trivikrama Perumal Temple - Divyadesam - 1.5 kms |
Temple Address
Arulmighu Veeratteswarar TempleTirukkovilur
Tirukkovilur Post
Tirukkovilur Taluk
Villupuram District
PIN 605757
Temple Significance
Ashta Veeratta Sthalam
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.
The Meeting of the Three Alwars
Tirukkovilur is renowned for the Trivikrama Perumal Temple, one of the sacred 108 Vaishnava Divya Desams. This temple holds a special place in Vaishnava tradition, as it was here that a divine encounter took place in the lives of the first three Alwars — Poigai Alwar, Bhoothath Alwar, and Pey Alwar. According to legend, the three Alwars met by divine will at Tirukkovilur. As night approached, Poigai Alwar sought shelter in a small pial (raised platform) at the entrance of a house, just large enough for one person to lie down. Shortly thereafter, Bhoothath Alwar arrived and asked to share the space. Poigai Alwar agreed, suggesting that two could sit together for the night. A little later, Pey Alwar too arrived, drenched by the rain, and sought refuge in the same spot. The two Alwars made room for him, and the three decided to stand together due to the limited space. As they shared thoughts on devotion and the divine, they suddenly felt the presence of a fourth being among them. Through their spiritual vision, they realized that it was Maha Vishnu Himself, who had manifested before them to bless the unity of their devotion. This sacred event marks Tirukkovilur as a site of divine revelation and deep spiritual significance in Vaishnava tradition.
Birthplace of King RajaRaja Chozha
It is also the birthplace of King RajaRaja Chozha, revered as 'Tirumurai Kanda Chozhan' who built the Tanjore temple.
Temple Geography and Structure
Tirukkovilur is geographically divided into two parts — Melur and Keezhayur. The Veeratteswarar Temple, one among the sacred Ashta Veeratta Sthalams, stands gracefully on the serene southern bank of the Thenpennai River in the Keezhayur region. The Trivikrama Perumal Temple, a celebrated Vaishnava Divya Desam, is located in the Melur division of Tirukkovilur. The sannidhis Veeratteswarar and Goddess Shivanandavalli are housed in two separate temples situated adjacent to each other. Both temples are enclosed by high compound walls and face westward. Each temple features an elegant three-tiered gopuram, enhancing their grandeur and spiritual prominence. The temple of Goddess Shivanandavalli lies to the left of the Veeratteswarar Temple. The expansive open grounds surrounding both temples provide a tranquil setting, adding to the divine ambiance of this sacred site.
Temple Layout - Outer Prakaram
Entrance and Main Features
Upon entering the Veeratteswarar Temple through its majestic gopuram, devotees are first greeted by the armoured Dwajasthambam and Nandi. The outer prakaram does not contain any sannidhis, but the top of the gateway is adorned with idols of the Pancha-murti. To the left of the entrance stands a pillar featuring a sculpture of Meiporul Naayanar, while to the right is the sannidhi of Vinayaka. It is believed that this particular Vinayaka was venerated by the eminent poet-saint Avvaiyar.
Legend of Avvaiyar
According to legend, when Sundarar and Cheraman Perumal Nayanar set out on their journey to Kailasha—riding a white elephant and a horse respectively—they invited the poet-saint Avvaiyar to accompany them. Deeply absorbed in her worship of Vinayaka, Avvaiyar hesitated to leave. At that moment, Vinayaka appeared before her and assured her that he would personally escort her to Kailash. Avvaiyar completed her worship by reciting the famous hymn “Vinayakar Agaval”. Once she finished, Vinayaka gently lifted her with his trunk and transported her to Kailash, arriving ahead of Sundarar and Cheraman Perumal Nayanar. The walls adjacent to the Vinayakar sannidhi are adorned with exquisite reliefs that beautifully depict this heartwarming episode, celebrating the divine intervention of Vinayaka in Avvaiyar’s journey to Kailash.
Other Sannidhis
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 sung one song in praise of Muruga here. Muruga graces the devotees as Arumukha, with six faces and 12 holy hands, mounted on his peacock with his two consorts, Valli and Deivanai.
The Presiding Deity - Veeratteswarar
Andhakasura Samhara Murthy
The presiding deity, Andhakasura Samhara Murthy Veeratteswarar, is enshrined as a magnificent Swayambhoo Lingam, vigilantly guarded by the Dwarapalakas. Nearby, the Urchava idols of Narasinga Munaiyaraiyar and Meiporul Nayanar can also be seen, adding to the sacred ambiance of the sanctum.
Goshta Murthas
The Goshta Murthas of Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbhava, Brahma, and Goddess Durga are displayed as intricate panels on the walls surrounding the sanctum. The idol of Goddess Durga is particularly unique — though sculpted in black granite, her eyes are depicted in white, giving them a remarkably lifelike appearance.
Goddess Shivanandavalli Temple
The temple of the female deity Shivanandavalli features an impressive three-tiered gopuram. Vinayaka and Subramanya serve as the vigilant Dwarapalakas, guarding their mother. In front of the sanctum stand Nandi and the balipeetam. Goddess Shivanandavalli is depicted in a graceful standing posture, radiating divine beauty, with her four hands held in the Abhayavarada mudra, symbolizing fearlessness and blessings to her devotees.
Ashta Veeratta Sthalam
TThe temples where Lord Shiva is believed to have performed his furious dance of valor are collectively known as the Ashta (Eight) Veeratta Sthalangal. All eight of these sacred temples are located in Tamil Nadu.
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