Veerateshwarar temple, Tirupariyalur
Location
Tiru-Pariyalur (Parasalur)
Deity
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
Parasalur
Keelaparasalur Post
Via Sembanarkoil
Tharangambadi Taluk
Mayiladuthurai District
PIN – 609309
Temple Hours
Morning : 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening : 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
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.
Daksha Yaga
Daksha's Arrogance
Thirupariyalur is one of the Ashta Veerattana Temples, the eight temples that commemorate the heroic deeds of Shiva. This is the place where Shiva destroyed the sacrificial ritual (yagna) conducted by Daksha, who had become arrogant and showed disrespect towards Him. Daksha, the father of Goddess Dakshayani (Sati), was once a devoted worshipper of Shiva. However, pride gradually clouded his wisdom. Forgetting that all his greatness was bestowed by Shiva's grace, he organized a grand yagna but deliberately denied hi son-in-law His rightful share of the sacrificial offerings. To humble Daksha's arrogance and uphold dharma, Shiva brought the sacrificial ritual to an end, making this temple eternally renowned as the sacred site of that divine act.
Dakshayani's Sacrifice
When Daksha commenced the grand yagna, Shiva advised Goddess Dakshayani not to attend the ceremony. However, determined to visit her parental home, she went to the sacrifice despite His counsel. There, Daksha openly insulted both her and Shiva, disregarding even the sacred bond between father and daughter. Unable to endure the humiliation or bear the thought of returning to Shiva after such dishonour, Dakshayani entered the blazing sacrificial fire and gave up her mortal form.
Veerabhadra
Enraged by Daksha's arrogance and his deliberate disrespect, Shiva manifested Veerabhadra, who stormed the sacrificial arena, destroyed the yagna, and punished Daksha by severing his head. Thiruppariyalur commemorates this divine act of justice, and the presiding deity is worshipped as Daksha Samhara Moorthy, the One who subdued Daksha's pride and restored dharma. Shiva also chastened the celestial gods who had participated in the sacrifice despite the insult shown to Him. During the ensuing events, Surya, the Sun God, lost one of his teeth. In remembrance of this, Surya has a separate sanctum in the temple, where he is believed to continue worshipping Shiva every day.
Temple Structure and Architecture
Outer Prakaram
The temple features a majestic five-tiered west-facing Rajagopuram, followed by a three-tiered inner gopuram, and is laid out with two spacious prakarams (circumambulatory corridors). Upon entering through the main Rajagopuram, devotees are greeted by the Bali Peetam and Nandi facing the sanctum. Although the temple does not have a flagstaff (Kodimaram), a sannidhi for Kodimara Vinayakar is present. As one proceeds around the outer prakaram, several shrines dedicated to various deities can be seen.
- Vinayaka
- Muruga
- Mahalakshmi
- Bhairava
- Sthala Vinayaka
- Nayanmars (Nalvar)
Inner Prakaram
The Goshta Moorthis enshrined along the sanctum walls are Narthana Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma, and Durga. The Nataraja Sabha is located beside the sannidhi of Samharamurthi. The temple also has a separate sannidhi for Chandikeswarar. Passing through the second gopuram into the inner prakaram, devotees can have darshan of several more sannidhis dedicated to various deities.
- Vinayaka
- Viswanathar
- Bhairava
- Sun God (Surya)
Special Sculptures
- A unique sculpture on the sanctum wall portrays Daksha with a goat's head, reverentially worshipping a Shiva Lingam.
- A magnificent south-facing Veerabhadra, depicted with eight arms, stands in a separate sannidhi.
- Another striking sculpture depicts Daksha lying in complete surrender at the feet of Veerabhadra, symbolizing the subjugation of his arrogance.
- Beneath this is a copper panel engraved with scenes of Daksha performing the yagna in the presence of Brahma. As the panel is normally protected by a metal covering, devotees may request the Sivachariyar (temple priest) to uncover it for darshan and worship.
Main Santums
Veeratteswarar
In the sanctum, the presiding deity is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Lingam, worshipped as Veeratteswarar and Dhakshapureeswarar. The Lingam is large in size, faces west, and is enshrined on a square Avudayar (pedestal), radiating a majestic and divine presence.
Goddess ILangombanaiyaaL
The sannidhi of Goddess Ilankombannaiyal is situated in the outer prakaram and faces south, bestowing Her grace upon devotees.
Processional Deities (Utsava Moorthis)
- Daksha Samhara Moorthy - The temple's processional deity (Utsava Moorthy) is a beautifully crafted bronze idol depicting Shiva in His Daksha Samhara form, with Daksha shown beneath the deity's feet, symbolizing the destruction of arrogance and the triumph of divine justice.
- Muruga - In a standing posture one foot placed upon the peacock
- Somaskanda
- Vinayaka
- Pradosha Nayaka
Temple Significance and Special Worship
In this temple, the Ardha-Jama Pooja offered to Bhairava is performed with special reverence and is considered highly significant. Thiruppariyalur is also one of the revered Thiruppugazh Vaippu Sthalams, where Muruga is enshrined with one face and four divine arms. The temple is glorified in the First Thirumurai through a pathigam composed by Thirugnanasambandar, and in the ninth verse of this hymn, the saint makes a specific reference to the name of the Goddess enshrined here.
Gallery - More Temple Views
