Viratteswara Temple, Vazhuvur

Viratteswara temple
200
Geography
Coordinates 11°0′N 79°15′E / 11.000°N 79.250°E / 11.000; 79.250Coordinates: 11°0′N 79°15′E / 11.000°N 79.250°E / 11.000; 79.250
Country India
State Tamil Nadu
District Nagapattinam
Location Vazhuvur near Mayiladuthurai
Culture
Sanctum Shiva (Siva) as Gajasamhara - Viratteswara or Kirthivasa
Architecture
Architecture Dravidian architecture

The Viratteswara Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the village of Vazhuvur, 5 miles south-west of Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, India. The principal deity is the Hindu god Shiva as Gajasamhara.

Myths

The Gajasamharamurti idol at Viratteswara Temple

According to Hindu mythology, once, some sages doubting the omnipotence of the god Shiva created an elephant and challenged the god to a duel.[1] Shiva took the form of Gajasamharamurti or "slayer of the elephant" and killed the elephant and wore its skin as a garment.[1] Therefore, this aspect of Shiva is also known as "Kirthivasa" or "one who wears an elephant skin as garment".[2] Vazhuvur is also one of the places where Siva danced his cosmic dance to crush the demon of ignorance.[2]

History

The temple dates from the time of the Medieval Cholas. The Gajasamharamurti idol was sculpted in the 11th century.[2]

Architecture

The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and is known for its exquisite bronze icons.[2] Some of the popular bronze idols are those of Gajasamharamurti and Bhikshadana (Shiva as mendicant).[2][3]

Notes

  1. 1 2 Ayyar, p 281
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Tourist Guide to Tamil Nadu. Sura Books. p. 64. ISBN 978-81-7478-177-2.
  3. ↑ V., Meena (1974). Temples in South India (1st ed.). Kanniyakumari: Harikumar Arts. p. 37.

References

  • P. V. Jagadisa Ayyar (1920). South Indian shrines: illustrated. Madras Times Printing and Pub. Co.
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