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.