Sri Thanthondreeswarar:
Sri Thanthondreeswarar Temple is situated at Belur, Salem. The temple was built by the Chola Kingdom in the 12th century AD. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main deity is Sri Thanthondreeswarar. The other deity is being Goddess Dharmasamvarthini. This temple is located on the banks of Vasishta river. The temple was constructed by the Paranthaga Chola and was left incomplete. Then the inner sanctum was built by Milagu Chetty. The Rajakopuram is about 97 feet tall having 7 tiers.
History:
Manickam chettiyar, a pepper merchant once crossing the dense forest got struck in the darkness. In order to eat, he crossed pea aubergine with a stone. He heard a voice saying, " The stone hurts my head. Apply some pepper on my head". The merchant said that he has no pepper and have only Black gram. Next day in the market he opened the baggage and was shocked to see black gram instead of pepper. He realized his mistake. God asked him to bring some mud from the place where he had crushed pea aubergine and spray it in the baggage. The merchant did so and surprised to see the baggage turned pepper. On his back, examined the place and was surprised to see a Swayambulingam. This was the place where the main sanctum is present.
Speciality:
Every year, in the first week of Tamil month the sunlight falls on the main deity in early morning. A statue of lion, Yazhi made out of single stone with a rolling ball inside its mouth is carved on two pillars. A structure of Lord Shiva riding a Vedhic horse is carved on two other pillars made out of a single stone.
Festival:
Mahasivarathri is the major festival celebrated here.
Contact:
Sri Thanthondreeswarar temple,
Belur,
Salem.
How to reach:
Buses are available from Salem, Attur & Vazhappady frequently to Belur.
Nearest Railway Station - Vazhappady.
Nearest Airport - Salem.
No comments:
Post a Comment