Vellore Temples

Sri Jalagandeeswarar Temple

This temple is very near to the bus stand. The temple stands inside the fort and is dedicated to Sri jalagandeeswar.  The temple is noted for its sculptures, and speaks volumes of the exquisite craftsmanship of the highly skilled artisans of that period.  The sculpture in the porch on the left of the entrance is a masterpiece appreciated by the connoisseurs of art and architecture.  It has a big wedding hall adorned with elegant reliefs and monolithic sculptures.  This temple was used for long as an arsenal and remained without deity.  A few years back it has been sanctified with an idol of Lord Shiva.

Virinjipuram

This magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located on the southern bank of the River Palar.  Around the basements and the pillars of the temple are a number of well executed figures that can be seen sigly and in lively groups on dramatic settings representing scenes in the social life of the people.  There are several inscriptions here both in Grantham and in Tamil. The lion faced Simmakulam tank is considered to be very sacred.

Padavedu

This is now a desolate village with two important ancient temples, both of which are interesting places of pilgrimage.  One is dedicated to Sri Ramachandraswamy and the other to Goddess Renukambal Amman.  The temple of Sri Renukambal Amman is situated in an area of 6.29 acres.  There are beautiful carvings depicting the invitation of Parasurama by Sri Renukadevi.

Thiruvalam

Located on the western bank of the Nuga river, tributary of Palar river, it is famous for the ancient Shiva temple dedicated to Sri Vallanadeheeswarar.  Thiruvalam is praised by saint Thirugnanasambandar.  A unique feature of this shrine is that the Nandhi is not facing the Lord, but facing the opposite direction.  There is an underground path, beneath the Bali Petam.  Several stone inscriptions in both Tamil and Sanskrit could be found in the temple.

Vallimalai

The temple is situated in the top of a small hill that can be ascended by a flight of 300 steps.  The main deity is Lord Subramanya.  The temple was built about 1500 years ago.  It is said that this is the place where Valli was born and married the Murugan.  Most part of the temple looks like a cave on the hill.
It has been one of the important Jain centers during the early medieval period.  According to kannada inscription the natural cavern was converted into Jain abode by Prince Rajamalla of Western Ganga dynasty in about 10th century AD.

Sholingur

Sholingur is famous for Sri Yoga Narashimhar temple.  It is situated on 750ft.  high hillock & 1305 & stairs.  There is also a Yoga Anjaneyar temple on a 350 ft., high & 406 stairs.  Devotees who visit this temple on full moon day every month to perform girivalam.

Theerthamalai

Theerthamalai is an important sacred place in Harur taluk of Dhamapuri District.  Here the temple is located at a top of a hillock.   Lord Siva is dedicated as Sri Theerthagiriswarar.  A lot of devotees throng the temple during the Mahasivarathiri.  Chola and Vijayanagara Kings donated liberally to this temple.

Hanumanthatheertham

This place is situated on the bank of river Pennaiyar in Harur taluk of Dharmapuri District.  Traditionally it is associated with Theerthamalai.  It is believed that Sri Hanuman who was instructed by Sri Rama to get the water from the holy river Ganga for his penance at Theerthamalai which he could not do it in time.
So Sri Rama was said to have done Asthraprayogam and got it.  Disappointed at this, Hanuman was said to have thrown done vessel in which he brought the holy water and this spilled water is believed to be the Hanumanthatheertham.

 

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