Choleeswarar Temple, Cholavaram, Vellore
Choleeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva located at Cholavaram Village in Vellore District of Tamilnadu. The
Temple is also called as Nandhi Gamebeeswarar
Temple. There are two temples in this Village. Both the temples Choleeswarar Temple and Gunamalai
Perumal Temple are of archaeological importance.
History
The
Temple is about 2900 years old. The Village was called as Cholapuram during
ancient times. This village’s history starts from the Pallava period wherein it
was called Kattuthumbur, then during Rajaraja Chola I’s time this was
christened as Uyyakondan Cholapuram. Now shortened to Cholavaram. Cheras,
Cholas, Pandyas, Pallavas and Rashtrakudas worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple
for victory.
The
Temple
Presiding
Deity is called as Choleeswarar
/ Nandhi Gamebeeswarar. The Temple is having the reputation of having one of
the biggest Lingam in Tamilnadu. There is a special shrine for Vinayaga in this
Temple. Vinayaga can be found be found seated on Lotus. The Temple also boasts
Pancha Bhootha Lingams. Around this temple eight Dikpalakas are erected. They
are simple carvings depicting the age’s sculptural characters.
Festivals
Monthly Pradoshams,
Ammavasai, Pournami and Aippasi Annabishekam are grandly celebrated in this
Temple.
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Kaniyambadi, 5 Kms from Kaniyambadi
Railway Station, 25 Kms from Pallikonda, 19 Kms from Anaicut, 14 Kms from Vellore,
22 Kms from Katpadi, 159 Kms from Chennai and 150 Kms from Chennai Airport.
