Moolavar: Sri Veerattaneswarar/ Veerattagaseshwarar
Amman: Sri Kamakshi Ambal
A highly significant temple for all Sivanadiyars as this is the Temple considered as Avatharam as well as Mukthi Sthalam of Sakya Nayanar one amongst the 63 Nayanmars. Also, this is one of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in Kanchi Puranam.
Legend says that Konganamaa Muni worshipped the Lord here. Another legend says that Saakkiya Naayanaar too worshipped the Lord here & got his salvation here it’s also called as Saakkiya Naayanaar Temple.
This temple got its name from Veerattagasam, the holy laugh of Lord Shiva after reducing Kalagni Rudra to ashes, hence Veerattagaseshwarar the original name got changed to Veerattaneswarar.
The Temple was built by Pallava King Parameshwara Pallava II. There is an inscription dated to 1136 AD, another inscription dated to 1168 AD during Rajaraja Chola II, Also, another inscription dated to 1181 AD during Kulothunga Chola III. The Temple was renovated by Vijaya Kampana in 1360 AD. Shankaracharya of Kanchi Mutt built the outer compound wall of the Temple.
The story of Saakya Nayanar- He was born in a Vellala family in Thiruchangamangai, near Thiruvarur. But he left his home and became a Buddhist monk, taking the name "Saakya" and living in Kanchipuram. Even as a Buddhist, his heart belonged only to Shiva.
He believed that inner love for Shiva was the only thing that mattered. No matter what external path or robes he wore, his mind was always fixed on the Shiva Lingam.
Every day, before eating, he would throw a small stone at a Shiva Lingam as his offering. To the world it looked like disrespect — throwing stones at God. But for Saakya Nayanar, it was his form of worship. He did it with complete love, without ego or expectation.
One day, he forgot to throw the stone before his meal. The moment he realized it, he was overcome with grief for missing his daily worship. He ran to the Lingam and started banging his head against it in repentance.
Shiva was so moved by this innocent, unwavering devotion that He appeared before Saakya Nayanar, stopped him, and blessed him. Shiva declared that love alone is the highest form of worship, and granted him salvation at this very temple. Tamil Shaiva tradition celebrates each Nayanmar’s Guru Puja on the nakshatram of their mukti, not a fixed date. For Saakya Nayanar it’s Pooradam star in the month of Margazhi.
Two sets of Lingam can be found in the Artha Mandapam. One set is facing east, and other set is facing west. Also, two set of feet carved on the stone is kept nearby. It is believed that it belonged to Lord Nataraja and his consort Shivagami. There is a beautiful sculpture of Lord Shiva and Parvathi carved on a stone slab can be found in the Artha Mandapam.
Adhi Lingam is kept in the Maadam behind the presiding deity. Lot of scars were seen on the surface of Adhi Lingam. It is believed that these scars were due to the stones threw at him by Sakya Nayanar.
There is an idol of Sakya Nayanar holding a big stone can be found near Vinayaga Idol. He is facing the sanctum. He is in pose as if he is going to throw stone at Lord Shiva. There is another Nandhi, sitting on a raised platform, can be found on the west side in the outer prakaram. There is a Shrine for Chandikeswarar in his usual location. Except Chandikeswarar Shrine, there is no other shrine in the outer prakaram.
Contact: The temple kurukal Satish can be reached on +91 7695979526
Location: Sri Veerattaneswarar/ Veerattagaseshwarar Temple, Konerikuppam, Kanchipuram
