Among the 63 Nayanmars, three were either born or lived in Kanchi: Tirukkurippu Thondar, Sakkiya Nayanar, and Iyadigal Kadavarkon Nayanar. Three temples in Kanchi are associated with the lives and spiritual missions of these Nayanmars. The Veeratteswarar temple is particularly revered by the people of Kanchi as the site where Sakkiya Nayanar attained Mukthi (liberation).
Location
It is located on Appa Rao Street, at the northern end of Damalvar Street.
Mythology
(1) This temple is also known as ‘Veerattahasam.’ In Sanskrit, ‘Hasam’ means ‘laughter,’ and ‘Atta Hasam’ refers to a powerful, thunderous laughter. According to legend, Lord Shiva destroyed everything in the universe at the end of a Yugam (age) and then recreated it at the beginning of the next Yugam. During this process, he danced vigorously, accompanied by a booming, fierce laughter. After the recreation of the universe was complete, Shiva calmed down and took the form of a Lingam in this temple. This is why the temple is named ‘Veerattahasam.’
(2) Lord Vishnu wished to change the dark complexion of his body. To achieve this, he came to this place and worshipped Lord Shiva daily with 14,000 lotus flowers. During this period, he resided in the location now known as ‘Pachai Vannar Temple.’ After his body transformed to a coral red color, he moved to the area that is today called ‘Pavala Vannar Temple.’ This Saivite version of Pavala Vanna Perumal differs significantly from the Vaishnavite interpretation.
(3) Many saints and ascetics are believed to have attained Mukthi at this temple. One such saint, a Siddhar named Kongana Munivar, once visited the temple and decided to test the power of the Lingam by placing his magical medicinal pill on it. To his amazement, the Lingam immediately absorbed the pill. This surprised the saint greatly, as the pill was known to burn and turn anything it touched into ashes. Realizing the extraordinary power of the Lingam, Kongana Munivar worshipped it for many years and bestowed his blessings upon it.
Events
This is believed to be the place where Sakkiya Nayanar praised God Shiva.
Religion : Saivism
Category : Temple