Vidyapathiswarar Temple, Puthur, Thiruvannamalai
Vidyapathiswarar Temple is a
Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Puthur Village near Arani in
Thiruvannamalai District of Tamil Nadu. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years
old. The place was called as Somanathan Madam in ancient period. A pious person
called Somanathar constructed a Madam and worshipped Lord Murugan in this Madam
sincerely. Hence this place came to be called as Somanathan Madam. The Temple
had been praised in Thirupugazh Hymns of Saint Arunagirinathar.
Presiding Deity is called as
Vidyapathiswarar and Mother is called as Aksharambika / Akshara Valli. The
Temple is situated amidst paddy fields. Mukhamandapam can be accessed by flight
of steps. Sculpture of Nandhi can be seen in the Mukha Mandapam. Also, Idols of
Somanathar and Arunagirinathar can be found in Mukha Mandapam. There are
shrines of Vinayaga, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai and
Chandikeswarar in the Temple premises.
The Temple is located at about
11 Kms from Timiri, 11 Kms from Timiri Bus Stand, 15 Kms from Arani, 14 Kms
from Arani Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Kannamangalam Railway Station, 20 Kms from Arcot,
34 Kms from Vellore, 76 Kms from Thiruvannamalai and 129 Kms from Chennai
Airport. The Temple is situated on Arani to Arcot Route.
Location
