Veerateshwarar temple, Tirupariyalur
Location: Tiru-Pariyalur (Parasalur)
Deity known as: Veerateswarar, Dhakshapureeswarar
Female Deity: Vaalaambaal, ILankombanaiyaaL
Pathikam: Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Veerateswarar Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is one of the eight 'Ashta Veerattana' temples and is located about 13 km from Mayiladuthurai.
Temple Address
Tiruppariyalur (now known as Parasalur)
Mayiladuthurai District
Tamil Nadu
Temple Hours
Morning: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Nearby Paadal Petra Sivasthalams
| 1 | Mayiladuthurai - 9.2 kms | |
| 2 | TiruVilanagar - 3.3 kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Sempon-Palli - 3.8 kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Nani-Palli (Panjai) - 7 kms |
Ashta Veeratta Sthalam
The temples where Lord Shiva is believed to have performed his furious dance of valor are collectively known as the Ashta (Eight) Veeratta Temples. All eight of these temples are located in Tamil Nadu.
The Site Where Daksha's Sacrifice Was Destroyed
This temple is one of the Ashtaveerattana (one of the eight heroic deeds) temples. This is the place where Shiva destroyed the sacrificial ritual conducted by Daksha, who had shown disrespect towards Him.
Daksha's Arrogance
Daksha, the father of Dakshayani (Sati) and initially a great devotee of Shiva, became arrogant over time. Forgetting the grace bestowed upon him by Shiva, he conducted a grand yagna without offering the rightful share to Shiva and acted with pride and contempt.
Dakshayani's Sacrifice
When Daksha organized the yagna, Shiva discouraged Dakshayani from attending it. Despite this, she went to the sacrificial ceremony, where Daksha insulted her grievously without regard for their father-daughter relationship. Unable to bear the humiliation and unwilling to return to face Shiva, Dakshayani immolated herself by leaping into the blazing sacrificial fire.
Veerabhadra
Shiva, enraged by Daksha's arrogance, sent Veerabhadra, who destroyed Daksha's sacrificial ritual and punished Daksha by severing his head. Thiruppariyalur is dedicated to this episode in Shiva's life, where He is known as Daksha Samhara Moorthy.
Sun's connection
Shiva also chastened all the celestial gods who participated in Daksha's yagna without showing Him due respect. During this event, Surya, the Sun God, lost a tooth. Hence, here, we can see Surya enshrined in a separate sanctum, where he continues to worship the deity Shiva every day.
Temple Structure and Architecture
The temple has a five-tier west-facing Rajagopuram, followed by a three-tier inner gopuram. The temple is laid out with two prakarams (circumambulatory corridors).
Outer Prakaram
After entering through the first Rajagopuram, one can see the Nandi and the Bali Peetam. Kodimara Vinayakar is present, though there is no flagstaff (Kodimaram). While circumambulating the outer prakaram, we can see sannidhis for:
- Vinayaka
- Muruga
- Mahalakshmi
- Bhairava
- Sthala Vinayaka
- Nayanmars (Nalvar)
Inner Prakaram
Upon passing through the second gopuram and entering the inner prakaram, there are sannidhis for:
- Vinayaka
- Viswanathar
- Bhairava
- Sun God (Surya)
Goshta Moorthis
The Goshta Moorthis of the temple include Narthana Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma, and Durga. The sannidhi of Chandikeswarar is also present.
Special Sculptures
Unique Sculptural Features
- A sculpture on the sanctum wall depicting Daksha, with a goat's head, worshipping the Shiva Lingam
- Veerabhadra, facing south, depicted with eight arms
- A sculpture showing Daksha lying prostrate at the feet of Veerabhadra
- Below this, on a copper plate, are sculpted scenes depicting Daksha performing the yagna and Brahma's presence
Important Note
The sculpture on the copper plate is currently covered with a metal sheet. Devotees may request the Sivachariyar (temple priest) to remove the covering in order to view and worship this sculpture.
Nataraja Sabha
The Nataraja Sabha is located beside the sannidhi of Samharamurthi.
Presiding Deity and Goddess Shrines
Veeratteswarar
In the sanctum, The presiding deity manifests as a Swayambhu (self-manifested) form, worshipped here as Veeratteswarar and Dhakshapureeswarar. The presiding deity appears with a large divine form, facing west, seated upon a square Avudayar (pedestal).
Goddess ILangombanaiyaaL
The sannidhi of the Goddess (Ambal) is located in the outer front mandapa and faces south.
Processional Deities (Utsava Moorthis)
The mandapa houses the Utsava Moorthis (festival icons). Noteworthy among them are:
- Daksha Samhara Moorthy - The processional deity (Utsava Moorthy) is a bronze idol depicted as having Dakshan under the lord's feet
- Murugan standing with one foot placed upon a peacock
- Somaskandar
- Vinayakar
- Pradosha Nayakar
Temple Significance and Special Worship
Special Worship
In this temple, the Ardha-Jama Pooja for Bhairava is performed with special reverence.
Thiruppugazh Vaippu Sthalam
Thiruppariyalur is one of the Thiruppugazh Vaippu Sthalams. Here, Lord Murugan is depicted with one face and four divine arms.
Pathikam Reference
The pathigam sung by Thirugnanasambandar in praise of this sacred temple is included in the First Thirumurai. In the ninth verse of this hymn, he specifically mentions the name of the Goddess of this temple.
Gallery - More Temple Views
