Thursday, June 1, 2017

Agora Veerabhadrar Temple, Veeravadi, Thiruvarur

Agora Veerabhadrar Temple, Veeravadi, Thiruvarur
Agora Veerabhadrar Temple is located in Veeravadi Village in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Agora Veerabhadrar and Mother is called as Bhadrakali. Theertham is Arasalaru River.

Legends
Devas in the celestial world surrendered to Lord Shiva seeking protection from the harassments of demon brothers Amban and Ambasura.  Lord Shiva sent Lord Vishnu and Mother Parvathi to destroy them. Lord Vishnu came to the place as an aged man accompanied by Mother Parvathi as his daughter. Both demon brothers were enticed by the alluring beauty of Parvathi and expressed their desire to marry her. The old man said that the one who is powerful over the other will have his daughter’s hand. In the battle between the brothers, Amban killed Ambasura. Mother Parvathi took her Bhadrakali form and killed Amban. Due to this killing, she incurred the Brahmahatti Dosha (sin of killing). Lord Shiva sent Veerabhadra and drove away the Dosha from Mother Parvathi. The temple is built for Veerabhadra and Lord Shiva as Maakalar based on this story.
The Temple
The temple is facing east with a Rajagopuram. Lord Veerabhadra is holding bow, arrow, sword and danda in his hands. The crown has a Linga. Kali, who destroyed the demons, looks furious. Before proceeding to wed Mother Parvathi, Lord Shiva left Mother Ganga in the custody of Sri Veerabhadra. The place where Mother Ganga stayed here is a little away from this place called Rudra Ganga. Lord Shiva graces in this place as Abathsahayeswarar. As a rule, devotees worship Lord Abathsahayeswarar first before their prayer to Sri Veerabhadra.

Lord Varasiddhi Vinayaka graces the devotees in the temple. The tower above the sanctum sanctorum is of a three tier design.  On Shivarathri day, 4 time puja is dedicated to Veerabhadra and Maakalar in the front mandapam. Lord Vishnu who came here for destroying demons appears with his discus. There is also a shrine for Lord Srinivasa and Mother Mahalakshmi. The place is named Veeravadi as Sri Veerabhadra placed his steps here first. 
River Arasalaru is flowing northward. Women come to temple with their father, offer Vilwa and betel leaf garlands to Veerabhadra on Tuesdays with curd rice Nivedhana. When Ashtami day coincides with Tuesday, they offer garlands made of 8 varieties of flowers and perform pujas.
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. Those desiring to visit the temple during other hours have to inform the priest in advance to avoid disappointment.
Festivals
Shivarathri in February-March; Tirukarthikai in November-December and Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Devotees pray here for safety of women and those facing troubles in wedding talks due to Mars (Sevvai) adverse aspects pray here. Women, after realizing their wishes come to the temple with their father on Tuesdays, offer betel leaf and Vilwa garlands to Lord Veerabhadra and also offer curd rice as Nivedhana. When Tuesdays coincide with Ashtami – eighth day of new moon or full moon fortnights – they offer garlands made of flowers of eight varieties and perform special pujas.
Contact
Sri Agora Veerabhadrar Temple,
Veeravadi, Rudra Ganga – 609 503,
Poonthottam Post,
Thiruvarur district
Phone: +91 – 4366 – 239 105
Connectivity
Poonthottam is located at about 21 Kms from Thiruvarur, 20 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 40 Kms from Kumbakonam and 135 Kms from Trichy. The Temple is located about 2 Kms away from Poonthottam. Buses from Poonthottam to Karaikkal pass through the temple. Nearest Railway Station is located at Thiruvarur and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.