The Shiva lingam in this temple is a Swayambumurthi. There is a place to sit and meditate. You can go into meditative states here effortlessly. This place is also a mukti place of Meiporul Nayanar.
How to get there:
The temple is located 35 kms South of Thiruvannamalai.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/FzVm6Kaj8MwChUa49
About Arulmigu Veerateshwarar Temple
This is the place where Lord Shiva destroyed the demon Andhakasura. Of the eight Veeratta sthalas, this is the second one and it has significant historical importance and antiquity. In this temple’s sanctum sanctorum, Lord Shiva is seen as Bairavar. It is believed that, once while playing with Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi covered his eyes. Since the lord’s eyes are believed to be Sun and Moon, covering them turned the world dark. It is believed that this darkness took the form of a demon called “Andhakasuran”. “Andha” means darkness and also ignorance. This demon obtained a lot of powers from Lord Shiva after rigorous penance. Emboldened by his powers, he started troubling the devas in the celestial world. They went to Lord Shiva to seek his intervention. Lord Shiva struck Andhakasuran on his head with his trident. The head of the demon began to bleed. Every drop of blood that fell on earth grew into another demon and this lead to a war between the demons and Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvathi prevented the blood from falling down by collecting it in a bowl. But before she could so, some of it fell down to the earth in the form of 8 vertical and 8 horizontal lines and thus made 64 squares. With his power, Lord Shiva created 64 Bhairavas – one for each square and prevented further production of demons. It is believed that Sukrachariar, leader of the demons, created many more demons to aid Andhakasuran in his fight with Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva punished Sukrachariar by swallowing him. Sukrachariar then realized his mistake and pleaded to the lord for forgiveness. Lord Shiva took pity on him, gave him rebirth and blessed him with a place among the Navagrahas as Sukran. It is believed that Lord Shiva struck Andhakasuran with his trident and lifted him off the ground. It is significant to note that this kind of killing is unique to this Veeratta Sthalam because in other seven places Lord Shiva vanquished the demons by pinning them to the ground.
Source:
https://lightuptemples.com/temple-detail/veerateeswarar-temple-of-keezhperassery/190
