Saturday, June 4, 2016

Thanthondreeswarar Temple, Belur, Salem

Thanthondreeswarar Temple, Belur, Salem
Sri Thanthondreeswarar Temple is located at Belur in the Indian state of Tamilnadu. The temple was built by the Cholas kingdom in the 12th century AD. The main deity is Lord Thanthondreeswarar (Lord Shiva) and the female deity is Goddess Dharmasamvarthini.





Thanthondreeswarar Temple is located on the banks of Vasishta Nadi (Vasishta River). The temple has a serene atmosphere and is surrounded by beautiful hillocks. This temple comes under the Hindu Religious Charitable Endowment Department.





The main deity is Lord Shiva and Goddess Dharmasamvarthini. The inner sanctum was constructed by Milagu Chetty and the rest were constructed by King Paranthaka Chola. This is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams.





Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
The inner sanctum was constructed by 'Milagu Chetty' and the rest were constructed by King Paranthaka Chola (Paranthaka Chola). Construction of Rajagopuram was started during the 12th century by King Paranthaka Chola, but was left incomplete.





It also showcases the Dravidian architecture and is representative of the Chola Empire's Ideology and the Tamil civilization.





Greatness of Temple
The wonder of the temple is that Mango, Jack and Iluppai are in a single tree.  Sage Vasishta planted a jack tree here for the worship of Lord Thaan Thondreeswarar. A close study of the tree with the cuttings made in it for building the temple, shows that it dates far back the temple.  Sage Vasishta stayed here as advised by the Lord to conduct his yajna. The Yajna ash (still available) is offered as Vibhuti (sacred ash) Prasad in the temple. This brings prosperity to the devotee, it is believed. 





Brahmanda Purana
Brahmanda Purana, is one of the 18 Puranas in Sanskrit and is written by the great saint, Vedha Vyasa. In 130th chapter of this Purana, Sudamuni narrated the glory of Lord and this temple to his disciples and other saints.





Kanampulla Nayanar
For brief details, please refer below link;
Temple Architecture
The temple is constructed in such a way that every year, the rays of Sun fall on the presiding deity from Chithirai 3 to 10 during April-May. Lord Shiva in the temple here is Suyambu Lingam (Lingam originated itself from earth). The temple's Speciality is the main deity and mother is together in the temple. There is a horse vahanam sculpture in the temple made of a single stone.






A structure of a mythical lion, Yazhi (A statue of lion) made out of a 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.







The Rajagopuram is about 97 feet tall having 7 stages (floors). Consecration Ceremony (Kumbabishekam) for the new Rajagopuram was performed on the 24th of February 2002.






Planet Sani Bhagwan is under the Vanni tree in the temple. Lord Shiva in the temple is a swayambumurthy. Lord and Mother grace the devotees together. Mango, Jack and Iluppai together are in one tree. 





Renovation Work
Renovation (1991):
The inner sanctum was renovated and four vimanas were constructed. Consecration Ceremony (Kumbabishekam) was performed in the same year.


Renovation (1992 – 2002):
Temple renovation and reconstruction of Rajagopuram was initiated in the year 1992. A local non-profit organization, "Belur Narpani Mandram" raised fund for this work. Construction of Rajagopuram and renovation of the temple was completed by 2002. Consecration Ceremony (Kumbabishekam) was performed on the 24th of February 2002.

Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Festivals
Aadi 18 in July-August; Karthikai in November-December; monthly new moon days and pradosha days are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Devotees pray to Lord Kalyana Vinayaka in the temple with archanas and nivedhanas of coconut, fruits, cereal and sugar and offering a garland for wedding and child boon. People also pray for promotions, farm yields, education, wisdom and prosperity. Many pray here seeking peace of mind.
Devotees perform abishek with milk, oil and green coconut to Lord and mother offering vastras. Some undertake some kind of fasting and feed the poor – Annadhanam.
Contact
Sri Thanthondreeswarar Temple,
Belur, Salem District,
Tamilnadu, India
Phone: +91- 98658 09768, 9787709742.
Connectivity
Temple is located close to the Belur Bus Terminus (Approx. 600 Meter from Bus Terminus). Belur has convenient bus facility frequently from Salem. The distance is 27 km from Salem. Proceed to Ayodhyapattanam, take left and proceed in state highway-18, within a km a diversion to the Belur road is there at right which will take you to the Temple. This road is good and traffic less than NH-68.
Belur is 30 kms from Salem city and is 7 kms to the north of Vazhapadi, a neighbouring town.
By Bus:
Bus services are available from Salem, Attur & Vazhapadi towns frequently. Buses from Salem to other places like Karumandurai, Kariya Kovil, Pappanayakanpatty, Thumbal, Pagudupatu and Arunuthumalai travel via Belur. Salem is 30 kms, Attur is 26 kms and Vazhapadi is 7 kms away from Belur.
By Train:
Nearest Railway Station is Vazhapadi. Every day Chennai Salem Express (Train No 1063) starts from Chennai Egmore and arrives at Vazhapadi around 5:30 AM. One can reach the temple by buses or autos from here which is 7 kms away from Belur.
By Air:
Nearest airport is Trichy Airport which is 128km away from Belur Bus Stand. From here bus and taxi services are available to reach the temple.