Temples in and around Salem - Part III

In this third part of the series on Temples around Salem, I would like to cover temples along the Salem-Tiruchengode route. You can look at Part I of the series at http://travelwithguru.blogspot.com/2011/04/temples-in-and-around-salem-part-ii.html and part 2 of the series at http://travelwithguru.blogspot.com/2011/04/temples-in-and-around-salem-part-ii.html

Apart from Tiruchengode Arthanareeswarar temple, most of the temples along this route are quite small, but some have significant history backing it. Tiruchengode is about 40 kms from Salem. It is well connected through the National Highway and hence commuting is easy.

1. Tiruchengode Kailasanathar Temple: Before visiting the main Tiruchengode hill top temple, one could visit the Kailasanathar temple located at the foot hill. It is a reasonably spacious temple and carries sanctums for gods and goddesses that you generally associate with a Shiva temple. The temple is well maintained and the entrance door carvings are a great treat for the eyes.

2. Tiruchengode Arthanareeswarar Temple: Undoubtedly, the main attraction in this region. The historically famous Arthanareeswarar temple on hill top. It is believed the temple was constructed during 2nd century AD. So, technically, it is over 2000 years old. It is amazing to realise such a wonderful temple having been constructed in that age. Every pillar and corner of the temple speaks volumes of the wonderful craftsmanship that prevailed in the region. A look above and the ceilings are filled with wonderful carvings.

Arthanareeswarar represents union of Lord Shiva and Lordess Parvathi in one human form. The primary statue of the god is said to have been made out of Nava Bhashan, a material that is said to have curative and anti-ageing properties. It is indeed sad that over several centuries people have scrapped out the Nava Bhashan from the idol, wanting to benefit from its medical properties. As a result, the idol looks to be in quite a dilapidated state. One could still make out the broad framework of the idol, but to view the statue in a bad state is disturbing.
There is also a sanctum for lord Muruga, in the name of Sengootu velavar, whose statue is also in the same state as Arthanareeswarar having been made of the same Nava Bhashan. There is also a separate sanctum for lord Vishnu here, assuming the name of Adhi Kesava Perumal. The premise also holds a huge puthu, probably among the biggest I have seen.

It is only recently that a road has been laid through the hill for devotees to reach the temple by vehicle. The road through the hill goes in a slightly round-about fashion, but is definitely worth the experience. The view of the Tiruchengode town and nearby hills from the temple premise is also a great spectacle.

3. Kalipatti Kandhaswamy Temple: On the way back to Salem from Tiruchengode, you could cover a few temples. First among them is a famous Murugan temple at Kalipatti, about 25 kms from Tiruchengode. The temple is backed by significant history and is said to have been one of the key contenders for Arupadai Veedu Murugan shrines. Here, instead of the Vibhooti (holy ash), devotees are given black ash made of sugarcane. This is supposed to have medicinal properties and has even historically supposedly been used for snake bites.

4. Ariyanoor 1008 Linga Temple: This is a modern temple in Ariyanoor, less than 10 kms from Kalipatti. The 1008 lingas are installed all along the way to a small hillock. Each of the lingas carry an unique name too. Once you reach the top of the hillock, there is a big Ganapathi statue to welcome you. The view from there is extremely scenic with coconut and banyan groves. There are also separate sanctums here for each of the Arupadai Veedu Murugan temples. The statues here are pretty much the replica of the original.

Each of the 1008 lingas are sheltered by individual roofing that makes it really a wonderful sight. There is a huge separate sanctum for the primary linga called Arunachaleswarar. To fully justify the grand construction around, the primary linga is really huge in proportion make it an awesome spectacle. There is also a separate sanctum for Lord Anjaneya in the premise.

5. Uthama Cholapuram Siva Temple: Just a km from Ariyanoor is the famous historic Siva temple at Uthama Cholapuram. Here, the lord assumes the name of Karabureswarar and is said to have emerged suyambu. The temple is said to be over 1200 years old. It is believed that the famous Tamil poet Aavaiyar is said to have presided over the marriage of Angavai and Sangavai, the two daughters of King Pari, extensively covered in Tamil history. In fact, there is a life-size statue of Aavaiyar placed at the entrance of the temple. A nice way to complete a temple tour in and around Salem.