Korukkai Veeratteswarar Temple / Sri Veeratteswarar Temple / அருள்மிகு வீரட்டேஸ்வரர் கோயில் கொருக்கை., Thiru Kurukkai – Korukkai, Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 80^th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 26^th sthalam on the north side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. During 6^th to 7^th Century this place was called as Thiru Kurukkai and now called as Korukkai. This is one of the atta veeratta sthalam, where Lord Shiva burnt Kaman / Manmadhan ( The other places are kandiyur where Lord Shiva plucked his 5^th head, Thirukovilur where the Andhakasura was vanquished, Thiruvathigai where Thiripura was burnt out, Keezha Paluvur where Daksha’s yagna was destroyed and killed, Thiruvirkudi where Jalandharan was killed, Vazhuvur where Gajasuran was vanquished  and Thirukadaiyur where Lord Shiva kicked Yama to save markandeya ). 

In Periya Puranam, Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar Swamigal went to Kolakka Temple. After that Appar alone went to 7 temples which includes Thiru Kurukkai / Korukkai. 

ஆண்ட அரசு எழுந்தருளக் கோலக் காவை

    அவரோடும் சென்று இறைஞ்சி அன்பு கொண்டு

மீண்டருளினார் அவரும் விடை கொண்டு இப்பால்

    வேத நாயகர் விரும்பும் பதிகள் ஆன

நீண்ட கருப்பறியலூர், புன்கூர், நீடூர்,

    நீடு திருக் குறுக்கை, திருநின்றியூரும்

காண்தகைய நனிபள்ளி முதலாய் நண்ணிக்

    கண்ணுதலார் கழல் தொழுது கலந்து செல்வார்

Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal and Ramalinga Adigalar has sung hymns in praise of lord Shiva of this temple. 

ஆதியிற் பிரம னார்தாம் அர்ச்சித்தார்  அடியி ணைக்கீழ்

ஓதிய வேத நாவர் உணருமாறு உணரலுற்றார்

சோதியுள் சுடராய்த் தோன்றிச் சொல்லினை யிறந்தார் பல்பூக்

கோதிவண்டு அறையும்சோலைக் குறுக்கைவீ ரட்டனாரே

....... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்

                                                     -:மணஞ்சேர்ந்து

வாரட்ட கொங்கை மலையாளொடுங் கொறுக்கை

வீரட்டமேவும் வியனிறைவே

...... திரு அருட்பா

Moolavar  : Sri Veeratteswarar

Consort    : Sri Gnanambigai

Some of the important features of this temple are......

The Temple is facing eat with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam and Rishabam are in front. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. In koshtam  Durgai, Brahma, Rathi ( Sudhai), Lingothbavar, Dakshinamurthy, In

Prakaram Narthana Vinayagar, Chandikeswarar. Kurungai Vinayagar sitting on square Avudayar/ peedam. Procession deities of Rathi and Manmathan are in Maha mandapam along with Shiva and Parvati Urchava deities.

In prakaram Valli Devasena sametha Subramaniar, Gajalakshmi,  Kamathakana murthy ( in folding the left leg,  hanging right leg, sitting posture ), Rathi, Manmadhan, Maha Vishnu as Soha Hareswarar and Navagrahas.

Sanakatha munivars idols are near moolavar/ Lord Shiva. A Pig, elephant, Narasimham and a man head moorthy in stucco images.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Since Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple, the temple might have existed before 7^th Century. The temple was reconstructed as stone temple during Chozha period and further extended during Vijayanagara Nayaka period. During ancient times this place was called as Yogeesapuram, Kamathakanapuram and Kampakaapuram.

As per the inscription this place was called as Virutharajabayangara ValaNattu Kurukkai Nattu Kurukkai alias Vikrama chozha Chaturvedi mangalam and Lord Shiva was  called as Thiruveerattanamudayar, Kurukkai Udayar, Thirukukkaiudaya Veerattanam udayar, etc.

Rajarajan-III’s 19^th year reign inscription records the purchase of  100 slaves for the temple which includes the Kulothungan period also. All the slaves are relatives, the relationship and the names are also recorded. ( This shows that koththadimai – slaves were existed in those period itself... which is to be explored )

Rajathi Rajan-II’s 6^th year reign inscription records the 50 years of  unregistered land as iraiyili and the land to be reformed and paddy can be raised and supply 100 Sengazhuneer flowers  to artha jama   pooja. For the same 160 kasu  was deposited in the treasury. This arrangement was done by the Kurukkai Village sabha.

Kulothunga Chozha-III’s 32^nd Year reign inscription records the endowment of burning two perpetual lamps for which 420 Kasu was donated by two persons, Panayur Kaniyudayan Pathavoorudayan Thiruchitrambalam Udayan and .... Nayakan Mudikondan. The amount was received by Siva Brahmins and acknowledgement was also given. The same kings 11^th year reign inscription records the endowment of burning Lamps for which a land was gifted to this temple, by Paluzhan Periyan Thirugnanasambandar.

Rajathirajan-II’s 13^th year inscription records that, in  Thiru Chamundeeswarar Temple Palliyarai Nachiyar and Atkondanayakars were installed by A Lady called Arayan Umaiyazhvi. The paddy for the  naivedyam was discontinued. Muppathu Vattathu Siva Brahmins received 120 kasu from her and Naivedyam was continued.

Rajarajan-III’s period inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamps for which 2000 kasu was gifted by Vellalan Kaduvangudayan’s wife Thiruvenkadu Nangai Aramudayal. The received amount also utilized for the growing Thengu, Iluppai and mango trees in the temple land and reforming other temple’s land.

Veerabukkarayan’s 14^th century inscription records that Chellapillai alias Chembiyan Konar sold the Village called Kulothunga Chozhan Karuppur to Thiruvambalamudayar Thondaiman. Thiruvambalam Udayar Thondaiman after bought arrange for pooja of this temple.

Veera Pratapa Thevar’s period 15^th Century inscription records that there was difference opinion of paying the taxes not base on the crops raised, between Valangai, Idangai 98 castes. This was settled and agreed to pay taxes based on the crops raised. Taxes are levied after measuring the land with 4 feet kol and paddy and kasu was refixed based on the type of lands like wet, dry, tharisu, etc.

A Fragmentary inscription records the donation  for constructing the temple by Kurungai MahamuniRishi.   

The Temple is under the administrative control of Dharmapura adheenam. Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 29^th April 1959.

LEGENDS

As per the legend the demons Surapadman and Dharakan were terrorising the celestial deities. Unbearable Celestial gods wanted Lord Shiva to stop the demons torture. Since Lord shiva was under deep meditation, asked Manmathan to wake Lord Shiva. Manmadhan shoots Lord Shiva 5 times with Lotus bud arrows from sugarcane bow. Lord Shiva woke up and got angry on Manmadhan. The fire which Came out from the third eye burnt Manmadhan. Rathi, Manmadhan’s wife prayed Lord Shiva to to pardon him. Lord Shiva pardoned Manmathan and brought back to life. Hence Lord Shiva is praised as  “Sri Kama Anga Naasan“ or  “Kamathakana Murthy”.

 

It is believed that Brahma, Maha Vishnu, Mahalakshmi, Murugan, Rathi and Kaman/ Manmadhan worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

 

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from Regular Poojas, Special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri and Masi maham in Masi ( Feb – March ), 10 Days Kamathakana festival in the month Masi ( Feb – March ), Navaratri in Puratasi ( Sep – October ), Annabhishekam in the months Aippasi ( Oct – Nov ), Thiruvathirai in the month Margazhi ( Dec- Jan ), Makar sankranti in the month Thai ( Jan – Feb ).

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 06.30 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Somasundaram Gurukkal's mobile number +919585449862 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH:

On Mayiladuthurai to Manalmedu bus route –via  Nidur, reach Kondal, turn left towards “Korukkai” name board 3 KM  after bridge you can reach the temple.

This temple at Korukkai is 6.4 KM from Nidur, 10.3 KM from Mayiladuthurai, 22 KM from Sirkazhi, 38 KM from Kumbakonam, 42 KM from Chidambaram and 260 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway Station is Nidur and Junction is Mayiladuthurai.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Thanks to the Day Light Photos of Unknown Photographers.

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Shri Uthvaganathasamy Temple / Sri Uthavaka Nathaswamy Temple / Kalyanasundareswarar Temple / திருமணஞ்சேரி உத்வாகநாதர் கோயில், Thirumanancheri, Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 79^th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 25^th Sthalam on the north side of River Kaveri. Now this place is called as Keezhai Thirumanancheri or Thirumanancheri. Since Even-though these two Villages are with the same name, this one is called as Thirumanancheri and the other one is called as Keelai Thirumanancheri, which is not so popular.  This is considered as Nithya Kalyana Kshethram.

In Periya Puranam, Sekkizhar mentions that Thirugnanasambandar, after worshiping Lord Shiva of Anniyur, Thirukurukkai and Thiru Pandanallur Temples,  came to this place.

அப்பதி போற்றி அகல்வார் அரனார் திருமணஞ்சேரி

செப்பஅரும் சீர்தொண்ட ரோடும்  சென்று தொழுது இசைபாடி

எப்பொருளும் தரும் ஈசர் எதிர்கொள் பாடிப் பதி எய்தி

ஒப்புஇல் பதிகங்கள் பாடி ஓங்கு வேள்விக்குடி

Thirugnanasambandar, Appar and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

அயிலாரும் அம்பத னால்புர மூன்றெய்து

குயிலாரு மென்மொழி யாள் ஒரு கூறாகி

மயிலாரு மல்கிய சோலை மணஞ்சேரிப்

பயில்வானைப் பற்றிநின் றார்க்கில்லை பாவமே

....... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்

                                            --“ நண்ணு

வணஞ் சேரிறைவன் மகிழ்ந்து வணங்கும்

மணஞ்சேரி நீங்கா மகிழ்வே

........ திரு அருட்பா

Moolavar  : Sri UthvagaNathaswamy, Sri Arulvallanatha Swamy

                  Sri KalyanaSundareswarar

Consort    : Sri Kohilambal

Some of the important features of this temple are....

The temple is facing east with a 5 Tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are  between, first level and 2^nd level Rajagopurams. The sanctum sanctorum consists  of Sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. In koshtam, Pichadanar, Balaganapathy, Natarajar, Dakshinamurthy,  Lingothbavar, Brahma, Ragu, Durgai, Gangavisarjanar. Ambal as Kohilambigai is in a separate sannadhi, small in size.

In prakaram Nalvar, Subramaniyar, Gajalakshmi, Kala Bhairava, Saneeswarar, Raghu ( is seen with human form with ornaments and ear rings ), Nalvar, Suryan, Mahavishnu with Sridevi and Bhudevi, Bharatha Maharishi, Queen Sembiyan Mahadevi, Natarajar, Pachaiyappa Nayagi, Pachiappa Nathar and Mallappa Nayakar.

Ambal as a bride to be watched in Stucco and Urchavar - young and beautiful shy smile on her face ( naanam.) with head facing down.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

There were about 11 inscriptions recorded from this temple.  The earliest inscription inscribed on the sanctum Sanctorum wall, belongs to Kulothunga Chozha-III ( 1198 CE ). From this inscription and the iconography of sculptures the temple might have been reconstructed during 12^th Century. Most of the inscriptions records the endowment of regular poojas, naivedyam, burning of Perpetual lamps, feeding from thabasis, Sanyasis and celebrating functions. For the same Goats, sheep, Gold, money, Lands are donated to  this temple. Some inscription throw light on the water management like maintenance of Tanks, yeri, kanmai,  channels, etc,. Some inscriptions records the sale of Land by the temple authorities for the Maintenance of the temple. Chembiayan Mahadevi, wife of Kandraditha Chozha renovated the temple may be reconstructed with Stone. 

Kulothunga-III’s ( 1198CE ) inscription records the endowment of Naivedyam of 2 nazhi rice and burning a perpetual lamp to Kshetrapala Pillayar for which 500 kasu was deposited in the treasury, by one Thevaradiyar Thillaivanamudayal Madhavalli.

During 13^th Century Subramaniya Pillayar was installed by Siruthondan and for the maintenance of mandapa 500 Kasu. The Temple authorities agreed for the 2 nazhi rice Naivedyam, and a Sandhi Lamp.

Sadayavarman Sundara Pandyan’s ( 1311CE ) 16^th year reign inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Veerapandya nallur Sri Vallan Somanathadevan for which a land was gifted to this temple.

Thiribhuvana Chakravarthy Konerimai Kondan ( Sundara Pandyan )’s 14^th year reign inscription records the reduction of land taxes by half,  for the Veerakudi Nattar. His donations to this temple are recorded in the Cheppedu also.

The 14^th Century Hoysala King Veeraramanathan’s 16^th year reign inscription records the donation of Land at Neyveli by 8 Kudi Araiyars. The same land was sold by the temple authorities  to some body and it came back to the temple once again.

From inscriptions on the Amman Temple, The Amman temple was constructed during 16^th Century by  Arasa Kanda Raman and during 17^th Century the same was renovated during Chokkanatha Thanda Nayaka.

A 17^th Century inscription records that A madam was built at Chidambaram by 4 Nattavars. A Kalathi Nayanar was installed in the Madam, An amount of 50 was required for 6 months to maintain the madam/ mutt. It was decided to give ½ of the land hold by the Veerakudi nadu to this mutt. The taxes for the land was paid by the mutt.

Rajagopuram was built during Mallappa Nayak’s period. Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 22^nd January 1970, 15^th September 1986, after carried out the maintenance jobs.

LEGENDS

STHALA PURANA - Thiruvilayadal Puranam

The sthala purana is based on the 64 Thiruvilayadal Puranam of Lord Shiva of Madurai. As Per sthala Purana, a Merchant of Poompuhar lived with his wife. After a long year due  to the grace of  Lord Shiva, they had a female Child. He wishes to give his  daughter to marry his  sister’s son at Madurai and he told this to everybody in the village and neighbours. When she attained the marriageable age the Merchant died suddenly after brief illness and his wife took sati. Their daughter has become orphan and the neighbours arrange for the last rites and sent a message to the Merchants sister, son ie son – in-law at Madurai.

The Merchant’s son in-law, who was married already, on hearing his uncle and aunt’s death, came to Poompuhar with his relatives. He took the Merchant’s daughter along with the wealth to Madurai. When his relatives were travelling in front, the Merchant’s son in-law and his daughter followed. They stayed that night in a temple with a Shiva Linga, under a Vanni Tree and a Well in the midst of a forest. When they were in sleep a snake bit the Merchants Son in-law and died. She cried and prayed Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva in the form of an old man appeared and with the ash from the madapalli and the holy water was sprinkled on the Merchants Son in-law and he came alive. When they were asked to marry, they hesitated to marry without the presence of their relatives. The Old man persuaded both and they got married in presence of the Shiva Linga, Vanni Tree, well and the Old man considering him as friends, relatives and neighbours.

கன்னியை யீன்ற ஞான்றே யுனைக் கென்றுன் காதன் மாமன்

உன்னிய துறவினுள்ளார் அறிவரே யுனக்கீதன்றி

வன்னியும் கிணறு  மிந்தலிங்கமும் தறுகன் மைந்தா

இந்திவை வதுவை செய்தியெம் முறை கடவா தென்றார்

.... திருவிளையாடல் புராணம் ( வ.சோதி உரையாசிரியர் )  

After they reached, Madurai they had a child also. There  was a conflict and quarrel between Merchants Son in-law’s elder wife and the younger wife erupted. This case was posted in the Village sabha and asked the younger wife to prove that their marriage as legal one. She told that the witness are the Vanni Tee, The well and the old man. The sabha laughed at her and posted the case to the next day. On that Night, Lord Shiva appeared in her dream and told that Vanni Tree and the Well will come and stay near the Compound wall of Sri Meenakshi Temple, as a witness. After seeing the Witness the Village sabha, praised for her for Bhakthi towards Lord Shiva. The Merchant’s son in-law with his wives and children lived happily. Even now there is no well and Sthala Vruksham in this temple, since they went to Madurai as witness. It is believed that Lord Shiva’s 64^th Thiruvilayadal was happened at this place.  

It is believed that poisonous snakes will not be there for a distance of Conch sound can be heard around this temple. If a person was bitten of by snakes, drinking water 3 times from the Temple tank will get cured. People prays Lord Shiva and Ambal consecutively for 3 weeks, the obstacles in the marriage will be removed.

As per the legend, ma Parvati wishes to marry Shiva once again. Ma Parvati as a Cow along with Lakshmi, Saraswati, Indrani and others roamed in this area. Maha Vishnu took the form of herder took care of them. Ma parvati worshiped Lord Shiva in the form of Cow. Lord Shiva pleased by Ma Parvati’s milk abhishekam and hoops affectionate touch. So, Lord Shiva made her to appear as a child from the Kameshti yagna conducted by Bharatha Maharishi. She was brought up by the Maharishi at Ethirkolpadi and Lord Shiva married her at this place Thirumanancheri.

There is a saying that, ma Parvati was cursed to born as cow at Therazhundur, roamed as cow in Asuvatha forest, at Komal Maha Vishnu took care of her as herder, at Thirukozhamam, Lord Shiva was pleased by the hoofs affectionate touch, at Thiruvaduthurai mukthi was given to the cow form, at Kuthalam ma Parvati appeared as a child from the yagna conducted by Bharatha maharishi, at Thiruvelvikudi ma Parvati had the sacred marriage bath with gangana tharanam, at Kurumulaipal, paalikai sthapana was done, at Ethirkolpadi ma Parvati met Lord Shiva and at Thirumanancheri Lord Shiva married ma Parvati.    

This is a Rahu graha dosha parihara sthalam.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Every Month, on new  moon days Amavasai special poojas are conducted for Raghu in the morning hours. This pooja is done for Child boon – Santhana Prapthi. Rahu here is in human form wearing ornaments. This is a Rahu dosha Parihara sthalam.

Devotees with marriage obstacles Pray Lord Shiva and Ambal with two garlands. The same will be given back to them. After marriage they should bring the garlands and perform pooja at this temple.

Apart from Regular poojas special poojas are conducted on 3 days wedding festival of Lord Shiva and Parvati on Poosam Star day in Chithirai ( April- May ), Aadi pooram in Tamil month Aadi ( July – August ), Thirukarthigai in Tamil Month Karthigai ( Nov- Dec), Thiruvathirai in Margazhi ( Dec- Jan ), Maha Shivaratri in Masi ( Feb – March ) and monthly pradosham.   

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 13.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The temple office phone numbers +91 4364 23500, 4364 230661 and 235002 may be contacted for further details.

The Land line number +914322 221084 may be contacted for further details.

Email-ID : pudukkottaithirukovilgal@gmail.com

Temple web site

http://www.thirumanancheritemple.tnhrce.in/

HOW TO REACH :

Town bus is available from Mayiladuthurai to Thirumanancheri Via Kuthalam. This place is on the bus route Mayiladuthurai to Kumbakonam via Kuthalam. Get down at Kuthalam, take diversion to Pandanallur. After crossing Anjar Varthalai Village ask for Thirumanancheri.

The Thirumanancheri is about 17 KM from Mayiladuthurai, 30 KM from Kumbakonam, 34 KM from Sirkazhi, 58 KM from Chidambaram and 272 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Mayiladuthurai.  

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---