Friday, June 3, 2016

Alagirinatha Swamy Temple, Salem

Alagirinatha Swamy Temple, Salem
Arulmighu Alagirinatha Swamy Temple, Kottai in Salem is an ancient temple. It is believed to be having had 5 Praharams including the present collector’s office. It was called as Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple. As proof for this, we can find a pillar with mandapam bearing Krishna image in Collectors Office.


Due to foreign and Mohammadan invasion, the temple reached its current state. It is surrounded by compound walls on all four sides and it is located just west to the banks of Manimutharu River. The area of the temple is about one acre of land. The monuments and inscriptions inside the temple walls show that the temple was renovated by the nayakkars.


The temple is situated in the heart of the town. It is located at a distance of 3 kms from south east to the new bus stand and 8 kms from south east of the railway junction. Several Inscriptions and Exquisite Stone Carvings indicate that this temple dates back over a 1000 years. It is located in the heart of Salem Fort and 1/2km South of Salem Collectorate.


It is the part of the Pancha Kshetram – 5 places where Brigu Maha Rishi undertook penance and secured the hand of Lord Vishnu for his daughters. Sundaravalli was born here on Maasi Magam and she was married to Lord Sundararajan on Vaikasi Hastham. Hence, this place is a Kalyana Sthalam. 


To this day, the match making takes place here in front of Lord Azhagari Nathar and it is after the Lord’s blessings and his nod and green signal that the families of the bride and the bridegroom proceeds with finalizing the wedding formalities. The Temple is administrated by Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Tamilnadu.


Legends
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History
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Greatness of Temple
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Temple Architecture
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Pooja Timings & Fees Details
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Festivals
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Prayers
Devotees participate in Sri Andal Wedding festival for removal of adverse effects on their wedding matters. They also pray to Lord Santhana Gopala Krishnan under the Punnai tree in the temple for child boon. Devotees perform Thirumanjanam to Perumal and offer vastras.
Contact
The Temple is administrated by The Hindu Religion Charitable Endowment Department Tamilnadu.
Arulmigu Alagirinatha Swamy Temple
Kottai, Salem – 636001
Phone: 0427 - 222 15 77
Mobile: +91 – 99428 14937
Connectivity
The temple is at a distance of 200 meters on the west bank of Tirumanimuthar with its entrance facing east. The temple is very close to Salem old bus stand. The temple is about 10mts walk from the Salem Old Bus Stand.
By Bus:
The Kottai Arulmigu Alagirinathar swami temple is 4 kms from Salem New bus stand. There is bus facility to connect new bus stand and old bus stand.
By Train:
Temple is about 8 kms from Salem Junction. Direct buses every 10mts from the station. Get down at the Collectorate and walk 5mts east behind SBI Main Branch to reach the temple. Auto from Salem Junction will cost between Rs.100 and Rs.150.
By Air:
Nearest Airport is located at Trichy and Coimbatore.