Veerateswarar Temple Of Korukkai



 Before beginning the blog, I would like to pay my humble obeisance to Mahan Sri Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal who attained moksha-prapthi on 31st August 2023. We were blessed that such a Bhakta of the Divine as well as a Guru to the masses, was present in our times and shared his precious knowledge and wisdom with the whole world in the form of the innumerable soulful shlokas, songs, books and spiritual discourses that he presented himself.  The spiritual revolution that he brought among the masses will always resonate in the world and will keep him and his teachings alive for eternity. My humble salutations to the Guru!

Today we will be reading about Veerateswarar temple located in Korukkai village in Mayiladuthrai district of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva as Veerateswarar and His consort is Devi Gnanambigai. 

It is believed that Lord Shiva destroyed eight demons and there are eight temples termed as Ashta Veerathanam temples dedicated to the Lord's victory over the demons. The said temple in this blog is one of these eight temples. At this place, Lord Shiva is believed to have destroyed Kaama, the messenger of love.

As per legend, there was a demon named Tarakasura who could be destroyed only by the son of Lord Shiva. The gods wanted Lord Shiva to marry Devi Parvathy and bring forth a son who would be the destroyer of the demon. Accordingly, they employed Kaama in their mission to get Lord Shiva to notice Devi Parvathy. Kaama generated an untimely spring in the air (Akaala Vasantha) which was supposed to induce feelings of love in the Lord. Feeling a change in the air around Him, Lord Shiva came out of His meditation and His gaze pierced through Kaama who was burnt to ashes. The gods persuaded Lord Shiva to marry Devi Parvathy to bring forth the destruction of Tarakasura. The Lord obliged and also promised Rathi, the wife of Kaama, that she would be reunited with him in his birth as Pradyumna, the son of Krishna and Rukmini, in the Tretha Yuga.

A 10-day festival Kamadahanam is celebrated in the temple every year. As He destroyed Kaama, the Lord is also referred to as Kaamadahana Murthy. 

People pray here for good health, removal of obstacles and for peace of mind.

Om Namaha Shivaaya! Om Devyai Namaha!

Picture Courtesy: Tamilnadu Tourism

Comments

  1. Prof. Dr. KK SUNDARAMSeptember 4, 2023 at 3:41 AM

    Kaama Dahana. Lord Shiva does not destroy Love. he is the destroyer of Lust. There is a difference between dirt and dust. Love is dust of grace and it's improper form is dirt ie lust Request that the article may reflect the same

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VedanamSeptember 4, 2023 at 11:07 PM

      Thank you for the wonderful insight Sir! Duly noted the same. Please keep sharing your valuable insights and corrections. There is a lot for me to learn!

      Delete

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