Ashta Veeratta Stalam


Ashta Veeratta Stalam are the eight temples associated with the legend of Hindu god Shiva destroying eight different demons namely Andakasuran, Gajasuran, Jalandasuran, Thirupuradhi, Kaman, Arjunan, Dakshan and Taaragasuran. These temples are built signifying each of his victories in the war, Seven out of the eight temples are also classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, the temples of Shiva, that are reverred in Tevaram, 7th century Saiva canonical work written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars. The presiding deity in all the temple is called Veerateeswarar.

The temples

As per Hindu legend, Veeratanam in Tamil refers to Hindu god Shiva destroying Asura in eight different sequences. Shiva is one of Hindu trinity indicating destruction. The eight places where he performed the divine act are came to Ashta Veeratanam and the eight temples built in these places are called Ashta Veeratta Stalam.

List of temples based on legend

List of temples based on architecture