Sri Veerabadraswami Temple

Sri Veerabadraswami temple is a God Shiva temple located at Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu. It is a 500 years old ancient temple. God Veerabadra is found facing west from a different place of worship. Mostly, Daksha is seen close-by bowing to the god. But here,Daksha's head is seen to be held by Veerabadra. As per belief, a dosha acquired by Veerabadra left him on the Aipasi Poosa star day which falls between October-November and at that time extraordinary pujas are offered to him. It is accepted that God Veerabadra himself is performing this Shiva Puja. Amid the early afternoon puja, the parade of God Agora Veerabadra is taken to God Viswanatha's temple. Amid this puja, we get the joint darshan of God Shiva and Sri Veerabadra. Those who have distracted descendants,shy and expecting a few boons and those facing adverse planetary impacts, generally light 9 ghee lights, place them in a plate and hold the plate over their heads until the pooja is completed. Special pujas dedicated to God Veerabadra are done on Sundays, Poosa Star days, Poornimas and monthly Shivrathri days. Despite the fact that God Viswanatha and Goddess Visalakshi are the main gods of the temple, a a lot of importance is given to God Veerabadra. The temple is named after Sri Veerabadra. There are two parade divinities, Agni Veerabadra and Agora Veerabadra. Devotees are charmed to see Goddess Ambica Veerasakthi in the front mandap of God Veerabadra. There is also another shrine for the guarding deity God Veera Makali who is said to be the gatekeeper to Sri Veerabadra. There are three evil presences under her feet. Those worried about the welfare of their kids and facing hindrances in marriage proposals, pray to Veera Makali with rice flour pudding – Kali in Tamil. The sanctuary additionally has sanctums for God Vinayaka, God Muruga, God Chandikeswara, Navagrahas the nine planets and Goddess Gajalakshmi. Veerabadra killed Daksha, father of Mother Parvathi for organising yajna without welcoming God Shiva with the ultimate aim of humiliating him. Yet, Veerabadra had to acquire the Brahmmahati dosha for killing Daksha. Sages advised Veerabadra to perform Shiva puja on earth. They said that he should throw his adornments in a river and pick the place where his ornaments end up. The jewels were washed on shore in this spot. Veerabadra placed a Linga, performed pujas and got rid of the dosha. The sanctuary was later contructed here.