Introduction

Located in Thirukovilur (Villupuram district), the Arulmigu Veerateshwarar Temple is one of the revered Ashta Veeratta Sthalams—temples marking Lord Shiva’s acts of valor. Dedicated to Veerateshwarar, this ancient shrine atop the banks of the Then Pennai River celebrates Shiva’s triumph over the demon Andhakasura, reflecting deep spiritual and mythological roots :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

Why Visit Veerateshwarar Temple?

• Mythic Valor: Believed to be the site where Shiva slayed Andhakasura in fierce combat :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
• Paadal Petra Sthalam: Praised in Thevaram hymns by Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Spiritual Remedies: Acts as a shrine for relief from black magic, planetary curses (notably Shukra/Venus), and granting courage and mental peace :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Cultural Heritage: Birthplace of Meiporul Nayanar and Narasinga Munaiyar, with strong connections to poet Avvaiyar and Kapilar :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

Key Features & Architecture

• Dravidian Style: Two auspicious three-tiered rajagopurams, granite walls, ardha‑mandapa and mukha‑mandapa leading to the garbhagriha :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Swayambhu Lingam: The principal deity is a self‑manifested Shiva lingam :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Multiple Shrines: Features shrines for Vinayaka, Muruga, Durga, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswara, Navagrahas, Nayanmars, and a grand Andal‑style Periyanayagi sannidhi :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Processional Idols: Includes Andhakasura samhara murthy, Narasinga Munaiyaraiyar, and Meiporul Nayanar :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

Visitor Information

• Timings: 6:00 AM–12:00 PM & 4:00 PM–8:30 PM daily (full-day on Amavasya) :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Contact Numbers: +91‑98426 08874, 94862 80030 and landline +91‑4153 252220 / 253532 :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Entry Fee: Free
• Dress Code: Traditional attire recommended
• Accessibility: Located 1.2 km from Thirukovilur bus stand; regular buses from Villupuram, Chennai, Thiruvannamalai and Tindivanam :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

Festivals & Rituals

• Masi Magam: A 10‑day Brahmotsavam during February–March :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Karthigai Somavaram: Special Monday observances in October–November complete with conch abhishekams :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Other Festivals: Aadi Fridays, Purattasi Navaratri, Aipasi Annabhishek, Skanda Sashti, Soorasamharam, Margazhi Tiruvadirai, Manickavasagar, Aani Tirumanjanam :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

Location & Connectivity

• Address: Arulmigu Veerateshwarar Temple, Keezhaiyur, Thirukovilur, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu – 605757 :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• River Bank: Set on the south bank of the Then Pennai River :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Transport: Closest railhead is Tirukovilur; also, frequent bus services from major cities :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

Closing Note

Arulmigu Veerateshwarar Temple in Villupuram is more than a place of worship—it’s a testament to divine heroism, cultural legacy, and architectural grandeur. Whether you seek spiritual uplift, mythic narratives, or serene pilgrimage, this Ashta Veeratta Sthalam honors and inspires with its unwavering devotion.