Tamilnadu is located on the southern part of India. It is bounded by the Bay of Bengal on the east, and by Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh states on the other three sides.
Veerateswarar Temple, Tirukkurukkai
| Location of the temple | Tirukkurukkai |
| Lord Shiva known as | Veerateswarar |
| Female deity known as | Gnanmbikai |
| Pathigam | Thirunavukarasar |
| How to reach | This temple is located about 12 Kms. from Mayiladuthurai. One has to travel on the Mayiladuthurai - Manalmedu bus route and get down at a village known as Kondal. The sivasthalam is about 3 Kms from Kondal. Town Bus facilities are available from Mayiladuthurai. |
This is one of the Attaveerattana (one of the eight heroic deeds) Sthalam of God Shiva. God Shiva is believed to have burnt alive Manmadan at this Sthalam by opening his third eye in the forehead. This temple covers an area of about 2.5 acres. The temple has two towers facing west with 3 prakarams. Stucco images related to legends connected with the stalapuranam here are seen inside the temple.
According to the legend a saint by name Deergavadu Munivar used to visit Shiva temples and with his divine powers he offered Ganga waters to Shiva and worshipped him. When the saint reached this Sthalam, he stretched his arms as usual to get Ganga waters for offering to Shiva, but his arms shrunk here. Hence this Sthalam is known as Tirukkurukkai.