Namakkal - Tourist Information

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Namakkal - Tourist Information

Arthanari Isvarar Koil

The only Siva temple in Tamil Nadu dedicated to the Halfed-woman lord. The temple is situated on the Thiruchengode mountain at a height of 465 metres. The chief deity is a statue of 5' high and is believed to have been created by siddhars out of a herbal compound. The temple also contains shrines for Murugan (Chengottu Valavar) and Vishnu.It is a large temple whose outer walls measure 260' east-west by 198' north-south. The temple itself is 170' long and 95' wide. the main structures of the temple date back to the seventh century.

Some of them (Artha Mantapam Maha Mantapam, NariGangapathy Mantapam, Sabha Mantabam, and Thandava Pathirai Vilasa Mantapam) were constructed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The north gate tower. Built in the 1550s was renovated in the 1880s. The stone images of Kumarasamy Kangayam (who built the halls of Nari Ganapathy and Thandava Pathirai) and his four wives are on two pillars. Local traditions claim that these pillars cure the ague of worshipping sufferers. The traditions also claim stone Nandhi in the dance hall came to life and ate grains on hearing the songs of Sivaprakasar, a visiting Saiva saint. The stone window facing the main shrine lets in the rays of the evening sun for three days year. The fall first on the feet of the deity and slowly move upwards to the head as if in a devotional act of caressing.

Aiyaru River

Beautiful river, its constituent streams are Aroychi Aru, Kanappadi Moolai Aru, Maasimalai Aruvi, Nakkattu Aru, and Thazhigai Aru. It Orignates in the Siddhan Kuttu Peak (4500) as Vellaipaazhi Aru. At various points of its course in the kolli malai, this river is known as the Arappalli Isvarar Arui. Beyond the Arappalli Isvarar Kovil it falls down as Akaasa Gangai and flows out of the district at Puliyamsolai to join with the Kaveri.

Kailasanathar Koil

This Siva temple is known as the Kizh Kovil (Lower temple) with reference to its location in the town as against the Mael Kovil (upper temple) of Arthanari Isvarar which is up on the hill. Its chief deity was referred to as Vikrama, Pandeesvarar after the Pandian King Vikrama who is said to have begun the construction of the temple. He has also given his name to a nearby hillock. Thiruvikrama Achalam, noe known as Korai Kuttai. His name is also associated with the Pandisvarar of the Uchi Pillaiyar Kovil on the summit of the Thiruchengode hill.

The construction of this temple was completed mostly by Aithappa Immudi Nallathambi Kangayan of Morur in the sixteenth century. He has also built a shirne for the Lord's consort, Parimalavalli, or in Sanskrit, Sukantha Koonthal Ambikai (Mother with perfumed Hair ) The western tower was built in 1663 and the stone base of the 76' high eastern entrance tower was built in 1663 and the stone base of the 76' high eastern entrance tower was built in 1664 by R. Kondappa Aiyan. In 1679, the massive pair of doors for this entrance was contributed by Veera Chetty. The pillars of the small but stately Nandhi hall are covered with beautiful carvings.

The Brahma Theertham a well in the courtyard of the temple is accessible through an entrance in the breast of a nandhi Khubam(hallow bull) built of brick and mortar, a design similar to the one that existed in the Raja Thottam, Salem, and the one that exists in the Sukvana Isvarar temple , Salem. The monolithic lamp-pole in the courtyard ( 60 ' high 32 ' factes) Is said to have been carved in 1551 by Arthanari Chetty of Amarakoni (Amarakundhi) According to the oral traditions , the erection of the post was found impossible even after hundreds of people laboured for days. A paria (untouchable) woman named Pavoy, daughter of Vellia Thotty, lifted it single -handedly when she went into a trance. An image of her is seen on the post. In appreciation of her miraculous help, she and her descendants were given a grant of lands. A well in the southeastern part of the town is skill known as the Parian Pazhi. Namakkal is a sacred place that contains both charm and history.

The fort of Namakkal is guarded by a giant Anjaneya. The idol is so famous that it has been known as Namakkal Hanuman. There is also another Anjaneya on the banks of the tank, Kamalalaya. The difference between both the idols is that while the former is massive the latter is a wonderful piece of art. The offering made by devotees to this temple is mainly garlands of cakes made of gram or the vadai malais. The striking attribute of this temple is that there is no roof above the God. The sun dries Him and the rain drenches Him. But He stands there, tall and commanding. There is also a bell on His tail and a sword on His hips. Also spotted is a Narasimha temple opposite to Hanuman. It looks as if Hanuman is under the direct praise of Narasimha. The Narasimha is eight armed holding a prayoga charka, a sword, a conch and a bow.

Hiranyakashipu is seen on His lap being torn into pieces. Hiranya can be seen helpless before the claws of Narasimha. There is also another exquisite piece of art in the temple. It is that of Lakshmi Narayana. This sculpture has been very elaborately carved and even the conch and the discus look outstanding. In this temple, Mahavishnu is not resting on the Adisesha but seated. On either side are Brahma and Narasimha. There is also a place for Lord Shiva in the temple, symbolising the Shiva-Vishnu unity.

The story behind the origins of this temple goes as follows. When Mahavishnu slew Hiranyakashipu His rage did not subside. He was all hot with anger that even the Devas were petrified. They thought that if Vishnu were to remain angry forever, then the world would son come to an end. They approached refuge at the feet of Lakshmi Narayana. In order to please the Devas, the Lord took the form of both Narasimha and Lakshmi Narayana, the latter being a sober manifestation. There is an eye-catching piece of art in this temple of both Shiva and Vishnu in the same idol. The left side of the idol has Vishnu from the summit to the toe while the right has Shiva. The uniqueness of this idol is that Shiva holds a snake in His forehand. This sight is very rare as there is no other temple which exhibits this wonder.

Namakkal - Tourist Information

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