Thiruverkadu Veda Pureeswarar Temple - Chennai

Thiruverkadu, a renowned religious destination near Chennai, the gateway to South India, stands as a beacon for Hindu devotees. This sacred place, alongside Mangadu, draws the faithful in significant numbers. While Thiruverkadu's fame primarily stems from the Mari Amman temple, it's important to note the presence of an ancient Lord Shiva temple in the vicinity that often remains overlooked. Despite the magnetic pull of the Mari Amman temple, the Shiva temple of Thiruverkadu receives scant attention from the same devotees.

Nestled approximately 1 kilometer away from the prominent Mari Amman temple in Thiruverkadu, lies the Shiva temple known as Veda Pureeswarar. This article delves into the intricacies of this temple.

Highlights:

• Sambandhar has revered the temple in his verses in Devaram.
• God - Vedapureeswarar or Validayanathar
• Goddess - Balambikai or Verkanni
• Teerth (Holy water) - Velayudha Teerth
• Sthala Vruksha (Holy tree) - Vela (Babul)
• 23rd Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam located in the Tondai region
• Four Vedas are believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

Legend:

The appellation "Veda Pureeswarar" derives from the four Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva – which assumed the form of babul trees and paid homage to Lord Shiva at this very spot. "Verkadu" translates to Babul forest. As these Vedas took arboreal form, the woods became rich with babul trees, earning it the name Verkadu.

Moorka Nayanar, one of the revered 63 Nayanmars, was born here and is commemorated with a dedicated sub-shrine.

Lord Subramanya is said to have graced the site, creating the temple's sacred pond.

In this location, Sage Agastya witnessed the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati.

Sapta Rishis, Pandavas, Sibi, Nava Grahas, and Ashta Dik pals are all believed to have paid reverence to Lord Shiva at this temple.

The site holds the lore of Lord Vishnu recovering his conch from the milky ocean with the aid of Lord Shiva.

Sesha, the serpent deity, worshiped Lord Shiva here and pledged that the people in the region would be safeguarded from poison or snakebites.

History:

Constructed in the 11th century CE by Kulotunga Chola, the temple underwent further enhancements and renovations by Telugu Cholas and Nayaka Kings.

Temple Layout:

Facing east, the temple boasts a five-tiered Raja gopura, and a large tank stands just outside it. Encompassing 1.5 acres, the temple is spread across three prakaras.

The interior entrance's lintel showcases intricate stucco images that captivate the eye.

Within the east-facing sanctum, the presiding deity is Shiv Linga, named Vedapureeswarar. The images of Shiva and Parvati in a seated posture grace the space behind him, accompanied by Ganesha. The vimana exemplifies the Gaja prshtha architectural style.

At the sanctum entrance, a small Ganesha icon welcomes visitors. The Nandi mandapa, bali peetha, and flagstaff face the sanctum.

Goddess Balambikai resides in a separate south-facing shrine within the prakara.

Notable icons within the inner prakara encompass Agastya, Surya, Nalvar, Ganesha, 63 Nayanmars, Chandikeshwara, Sekkilar, Vishwanath and Vishalakshi, Bhairav, Chandra, and Anabaya Chola. Subramanya is depicted sans consorts, with the accompanying Shiv Linga.

Distinctively, the Navagrahas occupy an octagonal pedestal, with Surya at the center and the other Grahas facing away.

Niche images on the sanctum's outer wall include the exquisite depictions of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava, Brahma, and Durga. Chandikeshwara graces his customary spot.

Sub-shrines of Arunagirinathar, Shani, and Moorka Nayanar adorn the outer prakara.

Even the sacred tree resides within the confines of the outer prakara.

Happy travelling.