Sunrise At: 4:50 AM
Sunset At: 6:15 PM
Thirukurakkai – Veerateswarar & Gnanambikai
Thirukkorkkai Sri Veerateswarar Temple is one of the sacred Saivite temples associated with Dharumapuram Adheenam, located in Korukkai, Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu. It holds an important place in the spiritual heritage of Tamil Saivism.
The Moolavar (principal deity) is Lord Veeratteswarar. The Urchavar (processional deity) is Yogeswarar. The Amman / Thayar is Gnanambikai. The Thala Virutcham (sacred trees) are Kadukkai and Arithagivanam. The theerthams are Trishul Ganga and Pasupathi Theertham. The historical name of this place is Tirukurukkai.
This is the 26th Shiva temple on the northern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns by Saint Tirunavukkarasar. The temple is approximately 1000–2000 years old.
This is one of the eight places (Atta Veeratta Sthalas) where Lord Shiva performed heroic events. Lord Shiva burnt the cupid (Manmatha) in this place. Hence Lord is praised as Kama Dahana Murthy. Rathi and Manmatha are in the temple as procession deities. There is a lotus flower design in the Avudayar — the seat on which the Linga is placed.
Sri Vinayaka of the temple is praised as Lord Kurungai Ganapathi. Lord appears in a sitting posture with His left leg folded, right leg hanging down, right hand in Abhaya Mudra, and the left hand on the left leg. Sage Theerthavagu is said to have brought Holy Ganga for the consecration of the temple.
Temple Highlights
Atta Veeratta Sthala
One of the eight heroic Atta Veeratta Sthalas where Lord Shiva burnt cupid Manmatha with fire from His third eye.
Kama Dahana Murthy
Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Kama Dahana Murthy — the destroyer of desire — bestowing steadfastness of mind and mental peace.
Lord Yogeswara in Meditation
Lord is praised as Yogeswara, always in deep meditation. A devotee blessed with His darshan is granted the power of penance.
Praised in Thevaram Hymns
The 26th Shiva temple on the northern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram by Saint Tirunavukkarasar.
Temple Details
| Temple Name | Thirukkorkkai Sri Veerateswarar Temple |
|---|---|
| Moolavar | Veeratteswarar |
| Urchavar | Yogeswarar |
| Amman / Thayar | Gnanambikai |
| Thala Virutcham | Kadukkai, Arithagivanam |
| Theertham | Trishul Ganga and Pasupathi Theertham |
| Historical Name | Tirukurukkai |
| Temple Age | 1000–2000 years old |
| City | Korukkai |
| District | Mayiladuthurai |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Opening Time | 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Address | Sri Veeratteswarar Temple, Korukkai, Mayiladuthurai District |
| Location | 5J46+4R9, Korukkai, Tamil Nadu 609203 |
Singers
The temple is praised by Saint Tirunavukkarasar in his Thevaram hymns. This is the 26th Shiva temple on the northern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns.
Spiritual Significance
Thirukurakkai Temple serves as a sacred center for worship, meditation, and spiritual learning. Devotees pray to Kama Dahana Murthy for physical and mental health, steadfastness of mind, removal of hardships, and mental peace. Those surrendering at the feet of Lord Yogeswara get back their lost properties and are freed from lust and enmity. Puthrakameshti Yaga is performed here by those seeking child boon.
- Sacred Shiva temple under Dharumapuram Adheenam
- Dedicated to Lord Veeratteswarar (Kama Dahana Murthy)
- Goddess Gnanambikai shrine
- One of the eight Atta Veeratta Sthalas of Lord Shiva
- 26th Shiva temple on northern bank of Cauvery in Thevaram
- Puthrakameshti Yaga performed for those seeking child boon
- People celebrate 70th birthdays and seek remedies for past births here
- Lotus flower design in the Avudayar — unique to this temple
Festivals
Masi Magam in February–March, the 10-day Kamadagana Utsav, and Brahmmotsavam are the important festivals with Pancha Murthy procession. Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December–January with Lord's procession is another great festival. Monthly Pradosha days (13th of new moon and full moon fortnights), Navarathri, Deepavali, Pongal (Makara Sankranti), and Tamil and English New Year Days are also observed devotionally in the temple.
Temple History
Lord Shiva was under deep meditation and the heat emanating from His penance affected the entire universe. The Devas, unable to bear the heat, approached Lord Muruga who refused to disturb His Father. They finally approached Manmatha. Without thinking of consequences, Manmatha applied his love arrows on Lord Shiva. Lord opened His eyes and burnt Manmatha with fire sparks from His third eye. Rathi, Manmatha's wife, fell at Lord's feet and begged for her husband's life. Lord assured her that Manmatha would be sent to Devaloka for her on a new moon fortnight. Thus Manmatha had his rebirth here.