Viratteswara Temple, Vazhuvur

The Viratteswara Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the village of Vazhuvur, 5 miles south-west of Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, India. The principal deity is the Hindu god Shiva as Gajasamhara.

Myths 

According to Hindu mythology, once, some sages doubting the omnipotence of the god Shiva created an elephant and challenged the god to a duel. Shiva took the form of Gajasamharamurti or "slayer of the elephant" and killed the elephant and wore its skin as a garment. Therefore, this aspect of Shiva is also known as "Kirthivasa" or "one who wears an elephant skin as garment". Vazhuvur is also one of the places where Siva danced his cosmic dance to crush the demon of ignorance.

As per legends, Shiva is believed to have destroyed eight different demons namely Andakasuran, Gajasuran, Jalandasuran, Thirupuradhi, Kaman, Arjunan, Dakshan and  Taaragasuran. There are Ashta Veeratanam temples built signifying each of his victories in the war, and also as places where he is believed to have performed with fury. The eight temples are: Tiruvadigai Veerattaaneswarar Temple at Thiruvadigai, Tirukkovilur Veerateshwarar Temple at Tirukoilur, Veerateswarar temple at Korukkai or Thirukkurukkai, Amirtagateswarar Temple at Thirukadaiyur, Vazhuvur Verateswarar Temple at Vazhuvoor, Keelaparasalur Veerateswarar Temple at Tirupariyalur, Kandeeswarar Temple at Thirukkandiyur and Tiruvirkudi Veerataneswarar Temple at Thiruvirkudi. Shiva in all these temples are described to have used bow and arrow, trident and spear.

History 

The temple dates from the time of the Medieval Cholas. The Gajasamharamurti idol was sculpted in the 11th century.

Architecture 

The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and is known for its exquisite bronze icons.  Some of the popular bronze idols are those of Gajasamharamurti and Bhikshadana (Shiva as mendicant).

Notes

References 

 

Category:Shiva temples in Nagapattinam district
Category:Ashta Veeratta Stalam
Category:Padal Petra Stalam