Thirukoiloore: Veeratteswarar temple.



The place is known as Andhaka puram, historically. Thirukoiloore is the city in Vizhupuram. This is one of the Devara Sthalam in Nadu Nadu Temples. The temple is one of the Attaveeratta Sthalam of Lord Siva.








Main Raja gopuram of Veerateswarar Temple.








As we enter inside the main door we see Dwajasthambam in front.



Main Deity is Swayambu Siva Lingam known as Veeratteswarar, with his consort known as Periya Nayaki / Sivananda Valli in different sanctum.







Chariot of the temple.









Sthala Vruksham is Sarakkondrai and Teertham known as River Penna.



Other Deities seen in the temple areVinayakar known as Periyanai Ganapathy, Shanmugar, Dakshina Moorthy, Vishnu Durgai and Chandeekeswarar.




Lord Shanmuga wanted to perform Siva Pooja to get rid of his sin, of destroying Demons. Mother Ambikai showed him the place where Vel from Her hand fell. Hence this place is known as Thiru Kai Vel. Lord Shanmuga performed Siva Pooja here. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple.










Saint Sundarara and King Cheramaan were going to Kailash. On their way they met Avvaiyar and told her, about their travel to Kailash to meet Lord Siva. Avvaiyar was performing pooja of Lord Ganesha at that time. They left her and proceded on their way to Kailash. Avvaiyar performed her pooja. She placed her request to Lord Vigneswara to fulfill her wish to visit Kailash. Lord Vigneswara took Viswaroopam and left Avvaiyaar her at Kailash even before Saint Sundarar and Cheramaan reached there.
Avvaiyaar sang Vinayakar Agaval on Lord Vigneswara of this temple. Hence the Vinayakar here is known as Periyanai Ganapathy.




With the efforts of Avvaiyaar and Poet Kapilar, marriage of Angavai and Sangavai, (daughters of King Pari Vallal) with King Deiveekan was celebrated in this place. Poet Kapilar lived in this place. There is a rock here known as Kapilar Hill, on which he was sitting. This is the birth place of two Nayanmars, Meiporul Nayanar and Narasinga munairayar.










Sthala Purana says Lord Siva destroyed Demon Antakasura in this place. Anthakara means Ignorance. Once Goddess Parvathy closed the eyes of Lord Siva ,due to which the whole Universe was filled with darkness. Demon Anthakara came out of the darkness. Lord Siva hit, Demon Anthakara on his head with the club in his hand. Blood drops that fell on ground turned to be a Demon. Goddess Parvathy started collecting the blood in a bowl. The blood that fell down became 8 vertical and 8 horizontal lines cross wise and formed into 64 squares. Lord Siva created 64 Bairavas with His power for 64 squares to prevent the production of Demons further. Thus Devas were blessed by Lord. Thus Vastu sastra started from this place. Lord Siva is considered residing here with the powers of Bairava.




Sundarar, Appar and Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this place.