Pages

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Somnatheshwarar Temple, Melpadi, Vellore

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).