Choleeswarar Temple, Vikramangalam,
Ariyalur
Choleeswarar Temple is a Hindu
Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Vikramangalam Village in Udayarpalayam Taluk in Ariyalur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as
Choleeswarar and Mother is called as Poornachandirakalambikai / Pirainiyammai. Beautiful
Jain and Buddha sculptures of Chola period is also preserved in this village.
History
Vikramangalam came into
existence during the reign of Emperor Rajendra Chola – I (1012 – 1044) and was
called as Vikkiramacholapuram, after a surname of the king. The Temple is
believed to be built by Rajendra Chola I. The Temple was named as Rajendra
Cholisvaram after him. Marudhai River flowing nearby this village was called as
Vikrama Chozha Peraru during Rajendra Chola I Period. During the Chola period,
Vikkiramacholapuram was also a famous trade and mercantile centre of the
itinerant trade guilds. Beautiful Jain and Buddha sculptures of Chola period is
also preserved in this village.
Inscriptions of Vikrama Chola, Kulothunga
Chola – I, Kulothunga Chola – II and Kulothunga Chola – III indicate that this
place was a sub capital for the Chola kings who resided in the royal palace in
this place and issued royal orders granting lands to many temples in the Chola
country. Presence of such palaces were attested by the inscriptions in Gangai
Konda Cholapuram, Keezh Pazhuvur, Thirupulivanam, Achirupakkam, Brahmmadesam,
Ayyanpettai and Alangudi.
There are also one bronze plate
inscriptions in this Temple. As per the copper plate inscriptions and stone
inscriptions, presiding Deity is called as Choleeswarar and Mother is called as
Pirainiyammai. The Village was under Kadaram Konda Chozha Valanaattu
Maduranthaga Valanadu division during Chola Period. The Gopurams and Prakarams
are built during Nayakkar period. The Temple had its recent Kumbabhishekam in
1912 A.D.
The
Temple
This is an east facing temple
with five tiered Rajagopuram. The temple has two corridors (prakarams). The
inner prakaram is crowned with another three-tiered gopuram. Nandi and
Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of
Sanctum, Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as
Choleeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of
Lingam.
Paintings in the roof of
Mahamandapam belongs to Vijayanagara and Nayakkar Period. A sculpture of Rasi Mandalam can be seen on
the roof of Maha Mandapam. There are bronze idols belongs to Chola period can
be seen in this temple. Mother is called as Poornachandirakalambikai /
Pirainiyammai. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine.
There are shrines for Vinayaga,
Murugan, Chandikeswarar, Saneeswarar, Bhairavar in the Temple premises. The
Temple Tank, Ganga Theertham, is situated outside the temple was believed to be
excavated during Chola Period. There is well in the inner prakaram. Sthala
Vriksham is Vilwam Tree.
Temple
Opening Time
The Temple remains open from
07.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM.
Festivals
Vinayagar Chathurthi, Aippasi
Annabishekam, Shiva related festivals and monthly Pradoshams are celebrated
here.
Prayers
Devotees perform Archana to
Saneeswarar here on Saturdays with Arali Flower and lit Sesame Deepam in his
shrine. By worshipping Saneeswarar here will get relief from Navagraha Dosha,
relief from marriage obstacles and will be blessed with child boon. By worshipping
Bhairavar, devotees can overcome problems from their enemies.
Contact
Choleeswarar Temple,
Vikramangalam,
Ariyalur District – 621 701.
Phone: +91 4329 228 649
Mobile: +91 90925 54154
/ 88258 23382
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about
12 Kms from Sripuranthan, 13 Kms from Govindhaputhur, 22 Kms from T. Palur, 20
Kms from Udayarpalayam, 26 Kms from Keezha Pazhuvur, 23 Kms from Ariyalur, 25
Kms from Ariyalur Railway Station and 105 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Ariyalur to
Govindhaputhur Route.
Location
