Thirukadaiyur Veerattam

Padal Petra Sthalam, Nagapattinam District

God

Amirthakadeswarar, Amirthalingeswarar facing west

Goddess

Abirami Ammai, facing east

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga, Markandeswarar, Naganadeswarar, Gajalakshmi, Natarajar, Panchalingam, Santhana Acharyas, Kungiliyakalaya Nayanar, Veerabhadra, Brahmi, Ashwini Devar, Yama, Kala Samhara Murthy

Thirukadaiyur Veerattam is a west facing temple with a large 7 tier Rajagopuram on the west. The temple tank is behind in the east where you can a smaller Gopuram. The theertham for the Abhishekam of this lord is brought from the Thirukadaiyur Meignanam temple about 2 kilometers away. This is one of the 8 Veeratta Temples and this is where Shiva destroyed Yama. The temple does not have a Navagraha Shrine. Goddess is in a separate shrine facing east.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Amirtha Pushkarini, markandeya Theertham, Kaala Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vilvam (Aegle marmelos), Pinjilam (Jaadhi Malli – Jasminum grandiflorum)

History

Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar (7th – 8th Century CE) have rendered Thevaram Hymns for the lord here at Thirukadaiyur Veerattam. Kungiliyakalaya Nayanar and Kaari Nayanar lived and served the temple here. Abhirami Andhadhi was sung by Abhirami Battar here at Thirukadaiyur Veerattam.

Legend

Amirtham (Ambrosia) itself is believed to have become a Lingam here at Thirukadaiyur Veerattam. The temple is called Kadapuri, Vivaranyam and Brahmandirathalam. Sage Agastya, Durga and Vasuki are believed to have prayed here. This is the 108th of the shrines worshiped by Sage Markandeya.

Directions

Thirukadaiyur Veerattam is about 23 Kilometers from Sirkazhi in the Tarangambadi (Tranquebar) Road.

Stay and Food

Tea and snack shops available locally.

Padal Petra Sthalams