Veerabhadra, also known as Veerabhadra Swamy, is one of the Shiva Ganas. Veerabhadra originated from a single strand of hair that was thrown on earth by Bhagwan Shiva on hearing the death through self immolation by his wife and love, Sati. Thus Veerabhadra is manifestation of Shiva’s anger or the human form given to his unparalleled fury.
Despite Shiva’s warnings, Mata Sati went to her father, Daksha’s Yajna to ask why her husband, Shiva, was not invited for Yajna (sacrifice). Daksha insulted Sati and Shiva and unable to stand her fathers insults, She immolated herself.
Kuravi Veerabhadra Swamy Mandiram
Shiva Gana Veerabhadra Swamy upon hearing the news of Sati’s immolation, Shiva’s anger knew no bounds and he removed a strand of hair from his matted locks and threw to the ground. A huge volcano leaped from the spot and from the fire came – Veerabhadra – Shiva’s anger personified. From every spark of fire from the volcano arose another smaller volcano and from it came out a smaller figure resembling Veerabhadra.
Veerabhadra is usually depicted as having several hands with different weapons and an angry face.
An army of millions of Veerabhadras marched towards Daksha’s palace and they only knew death and vengeance. They destroyed whatever they saw. Finally, Veerabhadra found Daksha and cut off his head.
But wife of Daksha, Prasuti, prayed to Bhagwan Shiva for her husband’s life. Shiva granted it and Veerabhadra placed a goat’s head on Daksha’s body.
Then Shiva took Sati’s dead body and walked away – but the anger did not subside. The universe was being consumed by Shiva’s anger. To save the universe and restore Shiva’s equanimity, Bhagwan Vishnu shot arrows at Sati’s body. Wherever a part of Sati’s body fell became Shaktipeetahs and Shiva’s anger subsided. When Shiva’s anger was fully subsided Veerabhadra, the manifestation of Shiva’s anger too vanished.
About the Temple
This temple was constructed in 900 A.D. It was built by Bheema raju during this period. He belongs to the dynasty of Vengi Chalukyan. After changing the governance the Betharaju belongs to kakatiyan dynasty –I took up the responsibility of the Veerabhadra Swamy temple and done some renovating works of the temple. This temple was known as Holy shaiva temple of Warangal.
During festival time the temple sparkles with festivities and devotees. The temple celebrates many festivals like Ugadi, Vinayaka Chavithi, Sankranthi, Sri Ramanavami, Deepavali. However the most imporant festival is the Mahasivratri Brahmothsavam. This festival is celebrated for 16 days. It is the biggest festival in the village.
This temple is closely integrated with the folk culture of the region.
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