Proper name Viratteswarar Koil State Tamil Nadu District Nagapattinam district | Country India Architectural styles Dravidian architecture Architectural style Dravidian architecture | |
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Location Vazhuvur near Mayiladuthurai Primary deity Shiva (Siva) as Gajasamhara - Viratteswara or Kirthivasa Similar Sayavaneswarar Temple, Sivalokanathar Temple - Tirupunkur, Mayuranathaswami Temple - Mayiladuthurai, Sattainathar Temple - Sirkazhi, Valampurinathar Temple | ||
Fishes playing in the sacred pond of viratteswara temple vazhuvur
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.
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Myths
According to Hindu mythology, once, some sages doubting the omnipotence of the god Shiva created an elephant and challenged the god to a duel. Shiva took the form of Gajasamharamurti or "slayer of the elephant" and killed the elephant and wore its skin as a garment. Therefore, this aspect of Shiva is also known as "Kirthivasa" or "one who wears an elephant skin as garment". Vazhuvur is also one of the places where Siva danced his cosmic dance to crush the demon of ignorance.
History
The temple dates from the time of the Medieval Cholas. The Gajasamharamurti idol was sculpted in the 11th century.
Architecture
The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and is known for its exquisite bronze icons. Some of the popular bronze idols are those of Gajasamharamurti and Bhikshadana (Shiva as mendicant).