Friday, March 9, 2018

Karuppuleeswarar Temple, Gudiyatham, Vellore

Karuppuleeswarar Temple, Gudiyatham, Vellore
Karuppuleeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Nellorepet locality in Gudiyatham Town in Vellore District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Karuppuleeswarar / Bala Saarduleeswarar. Mother is called as Shivagama Sundari. Bala Saarduleeswarar (means Baby – Tiger – Eswarar) translates to Karuppuleeswarar in Tamil.




This is an Ancient temple with beautiful sculptures and has a legendary connection to Virinchipuram temple. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. It is famous for its car festival (Ther Thiruvizha). This temple was the abode for famous sage Koundinya Rishi and the river passing through the town is called in his name "Koundinya Maha Nadi".



The temple has lion tank (Simha kulam). During the Chola king Kulothunga 1 regime, the king had denoted 90 goats for maintenance and for purchase of oil for lighting the lamps. The temple has been further modified and renovated by Vijayanagara Kings. The temple is a symbol of monuments of both Chola and Vijayanagara Kingdoms.



The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Gudiyatham Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Melalathur Railway Station, 7 Kms from Gudiyattam Railway Station, 13 Kms from Pallikonda, 27 Kms from Ambur, 34 Kms from Vellore, 178 Kms from Chennai and 168 Kms from Chennai Airport. One has to take the Bangalore Highway from Vellore and turn right at Pallikonda and go about 12 kms to reach Gudiyatham. Nearest Railway Station is located at Melalathur and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai.