Somnatheshwarar Temple, Melpadi, Vellore
Somnatheshwarar
Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Melpadi Village in
Vellore District of Tamilnadu. Melpadi is a small village on the Thiruvalam –
Ponnai road. It is assumed that the temple was built by Parantaka Chola I
between 907 and 953 A.D. and later developed by Rajaraja Cholan (985-1014 A.D.).
This Temple is being maintained by Archeological Society of India.
History
Melpadi
is close to the shore of the Pennar river and was the border between Chola and
Rashtrakuta kingdoms. There are two Chola period temples found in this
town, Somanadheeswarar temple and Choleeswarar temple. Somanadheeswarar temple
is bigger in size and has many interesting architectural features. Choleeswarar
temple is a Palli Padai Temple (Tomb Temple.
The
temples are being maintained by Archeological Society of India. During the
Chola period, the town was called as Rajasrayapuram (named after a surname of
Rajaraja Chola I). In 959 CE, the Rashtrakuta King Krishna III encamped in
this town (as per the Karhad plates). This town acted as a garrison to guard
the Chola lands from the attack of the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas.
On the
south wall of the sanctum, the inscription dated in the 14th year of the reign of
Rajaraja Chola I is found. It talks about the conquest of Kudamali region and
Pandyas. It also mentions about the Chola officer named Irayairavan Pallavayan,
who served under Rajaraja. It is assumed that the temple was built by Parantaka
Chola I between 907 and 953 A.D. and later developed by Rajaraja Cholan
(985-1014 A.D.).
The
Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
Temple
Opening Time
This
temple is open only till 6 P.M. in the evening. Ideal time for visiting this
temple would be after 5 PM.
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 750 meters from Melpadi Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Vallimalai,
8 Kms from Ponnai, 12 Kms form Thiruvalam, 22 Kms from Katpadi, 17 Kms from Ranipet,
21 Kms from Arcot, 30 Kms from Vellore and 143 Kms from Chennai. This temple is situated on the way to
Vallimalai on the Tiruvallam – Ponnai Road. The temple is about 17 Kms from
Ranipet on the Chittoor Road. A little before Ponnai a bridge across the River
Bahuda cuts off on the left to reach Melpadi. The temple is just after the
bridge on the right of the road. On the left is a small temple to Lord
Choleeswarar, also in ASI control. Nearest Railway Stations are located at
Thiruvalam (13 Kms), Mukundarayapuram (13 Kms), Bommasamudram (20 Kms) and Katpadi
(23 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (120 Kms).
