Tirukurukkai is one of the 8 temples which are collectively known as 'Ashta Veeratta Sthalangal' or 'Atta veerattanam' that commemorate the eight heroic deeds of god Shiva. The others are:- 1. Thirukandiyur, 2. Thirukovilur, 3. Thiruvadhigai, 4. Thiruppariyalur, 5. Thiruvirkudi, 6. Vazhoovur
and 7. Thirukkadayur.
Tirukurukkai is the place where Kamadeva was reduced to ashes by Shiva. The Devas, or celestials beings, found themselves in a dire need of a mighty warrior capable of vanquishing the formiddable demons Soora-Padhman and Tarakan. Only a son born of the union between Shiva and Parvathy could possess the immense power required to triumph over these malevolent forces. However, Shiva was deeply immersed in a profound state of medidation, rendering him oblivious to the Devas' plight. In their desperation, the devas turned to Kamadeva, the god of love and desire, to rouse shiva from his contemplative trance. Armed with his bow and quiver of five arrows adorned with fragrant flowers, Kamadeva took aim at Shiva, hoping to kindle the flames of passion. As the flower-tipped arrow stuck its mark, Shiva's meditation was momentarily disrupted, causing him to open his eyes and gaze upon Kamadeva. In that instant, the intensity of the gaze manifested as a searing flame that consumed Kamadeva, reducing him to a mere heap of ashes. Witnessing this, Rathi, kamadeva's devoted consort, was overwhelmed with grief, and beseeched Shiva to restore her husband. Shiva assured her that when he wed Parvaty in the earthly realm, Kamadeva would be revived, freed from the curse that had befallen him. See also Tirumanancheri where Kamadava was revived during the wedding of Shiva and Parvathy.
The Shiva temple, oriented towards the west, features a grand five-tiered gopuram adorning its gateway. The gopuram is embellished with exquisitely sculpted figures of Bhairava and Kama-Dahana-Murthy, which captivate the attention of visitors with their intricate details and artistic mastery. Directly opposite the entrance lies the sacred water body associated with the temple, known as 'Soola Gangai,' which takes the form of a serene pond. As one passes through the entrance gateway and proceeds along the prakaram, they encounter the south-facing sannidhi dedicated to the female consort deity, Gynammbikai. Adjacent to this sannidhi stands the sabha of Kama-Dahana-Murthy, where Shiva is depicted in a meditative yoga posture with one leg folded, surrounded by the revered Sanakadi Rishis. Due to the deity's yogic stance, one cannot easily come here, as there would be obstacles and hindrances whenever one plan to visit and see the deity. It is believed that those who persevere and manage to glimpse this form of Shiva, despite the obstacles, are blessed with the attainment of a meditative state. The deity in this temple is revered as 'Anugraha Murthy,' embodying Shiva's most compassionate aspect, known for forgiving and overlooking the unintentional errors committed by devotees. Worshipping Kama-Dahana-Murthy is associated with numerous benefits, including the improvement of health, the curing of diseases, and the enhancement of mental focus and strength.
The 'swayambhu linga' of the presiding deity Veeratteshwarar, a self-manifested representation of the god Shiva, rests upon a square pedestal known as an 'Aavudayar' within the temple's main sanctum. Upon close examination, one can discern the distinct imprints of a flower-tipped arrow on the linga, with the lotus flower being particularly prominent. This iconography alludes to the mythological account of Kamadeva, the god of love and desire, attempting to disrupt Shiva's deep meditation by shooting him with a flower arrow, which Shiva ultimately burned to ashes with his powerful gaze. Reflecting this narrative, sculptures of Rathi, the wife of Kamadeva, and Kamadeva himself are positioned opposite the sanctum, serving as a powerful reminder of the story's significance. Devotees believe that worshipping Veeratteshwarar at this temple can help alleviate sorrow and bestow peace of mind, making it a popular pilgrimage site for those seeking solace and spiritual comfort. Additionally, the temple's Vinayaka, a form of the elephant-headed god Ganesha, is revered as 'Kurunkai' Vinayaka, further adding to the site's sacred atmosphere. The 'vimana', or tower, that rises above the sanctum is adorned with intricate and beautiful sculptures depicting Shiva seated in a yogic posture, Kamadeva in the act of shooting his arrow, and the dramatic moment when Kamadeva is reduced to ashes by Shiva's intense gaze.
The venerable saint poet Arunagirinathar, has composed one song extolling the Muruga enshrined at Tirukurukkai. Muruga in portrayed with one-face, adorned with four hands. Accompanying the deity are his two divine consorts. Notably, the 'urchava' idol, a processional form of Muruga worshipped during festive occasions, is depicted holding a bow, instead of a spear.
The nomenclature - In ancient times, a devout Rishi known as TheerthaVagu made visits to temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. As part of his reverential ritual, TheerthaVagu would summon water from the sacred Ganges River to descend from the heavens, which he would then use to ceremonially annoint the Shiva deity within each temple sanctum. However, upon arriving at Tirukurukkai, TheerthaVagu failed to recognize the immense sanctity of the temple's own water body, the Soola Theertham pond, which was located just opposite the temple. The Rishi lifted his lengthy arms skyward to once again call forth Ganges water for the ablution. But in that instant, TheerthaVagu's arms dramatically shrunk and shortened and the place came to be known as Kuru-Kkai, or "shortened hand". Aa stone idol of the Kurunkai Rishi, can be seen next to sannidhi of Kurunkai Vinayaka.
The temple is associated with two pathikams, composed by the renowned Tamil poet-saint Tirunavukkarasar, which are included in the 4th Tirumurai. Unfortunately, only the first two stanzas of one of the pathikams have survived, while the rest have been lost to time. The second pathikam, however, is complete and contains several mythological and historical references. It mentions the sage Markandeya, who was saved from death by Lord Shiva, and Chandesar, a staunch devotee of Shiva. The pathikam also recounts the story of a spider that spun a web over a Shiva linga and was subsequently reborn as the king Kochengatchozhan as a reward for its devotion. Another tale included in the pathikam is that of Lord Vishnu, who is said to have plucked out one of his own eyes to complete the thousand-lotus offering to Lord Shiva when he found one lotus missing. The pathikam also makes reference to two of the most celebrated Nayanars, or Shaiva saints - Saakiya Nayanar and Kannappa Nayanar, both of whom are known for their unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva. Finally, the pathikam relates the story of a mouse that, in its previous birth, diligently adjusted the wick of a lamp to make it burn brighter in a Shiva temple, and was consequently reborn as the great king Mahabali as a reward for its piety. These references serve to highlight the glories of the deity at Tirukkurukkai.
5-Tiered Gopuram
Soola Theertham
Nethi Mandap
Inside View
Navagraha
Nataraja Sabha
Kurunkai Vianayaka
Nandi Balipeetam
Sthala Vruksham
Dakshinamurthy
Annamalayari, Brahma, Vishnu
Gyanambikai