Ashtamudi Sree Veerabhadra Swami Temple, located in Thrikkaruva, Kollam district, Kerala, is a unique and ancient temple dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva.This temple holds the distinction of being the only one in southern India with Veerabhadra as the presiding deity.
This temple is in a uniquely beautiful spot where the Ashtamudi Lake and Kallatayaar River meet the Arabian Sea in the Kollam district. It is believed to be hundreds of years old. While Veerabhadra is usually worshiped as a sub-deity in many temples, it is scarce for him to be the main deity in Kerala.
The temple is notable for its open-roof sanctum sanctorum, a rarity among Hindu temples. This design is attributed to the belief that the self-manifested (Swayambhu) idol of Lord Veerabhadra is so tall that it touches the sky, necessitating the absence of a roof. Additionally, the temple complex houses one of the largest Hanuman idols in Kerala, revered by devotees seeking relief from planetary afflictions and blessings for health and longevity.
The temple is believed to be hundreds of years old. In many temples, Veerabhadra is usually worshiped as a sub-deity, but it is rare to find him as the main deity in Kerala. The temple is associated with the legend of *Daksha Yaga*.
According to the story, Daksha organized a Yaga (sacrificial ritual) and invited everyone except his daughter Sathi and her husband, Lord Shiva. Sathi decided to attend the Yaga uninvited but was insulted there. Overcome with grief, she sacrificed her life in the fire of the Yaga.
Angered by this, Lord Shiva created Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali from a lock of his hair and sent them to destroy Daksha. Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali severed Daksha’s head, and he crawled before them, begging for his life. At the request of the Devas, Daksha’s life was restored by attaching a goat’s head to his body.
It’s believed that the Ashtamudi Lake, where the temple is situated, was formed from eight locks of Lord Shiva’s hair, giving the lake its name—’Ashta’ meaning eight and ‘mudi’ meaning hair or peaks.
One of the temple’s distinctive rituals is the ‘Urul Nercha’ (rolling offering). Devotees perform a ritualistic roll around the temple premises, believing it will cure ailments affecting their livestock and fulfill personal desires. This practice is a significant aspect of the temple’s traditions, attracting devotees from various regions.