Aragalur Sri Solesvaran Temple, Salem

Address

Aragalur Sri Solesvaran Temple, Soliswaran Koil Street, Aragalur, Tamil Nadu 636101

Diety

Sri Solesvaran

Introduction

The Aragalur Sri Solesvaran Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated in the village of Aragalur in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. It is approximately 6 kilometers from Thalaivasal and around 70 kilometers from Salem. The presiding deity of the Aragalur Sri Solesvaran Temple is Lord Shiva, known as Solesvaran.

Puranic Significance

This temple is associated with the old name for the village, “Thayinum Nalla Chozhisvaram.”
The temple is made of granite stones without the use of mortar.
Aragalur was the capital of Magadai Mandalam and was ruled by the renowned Bana Chieftains during the period of around 1190-1260 CE.

Unfortunately, the Aragalur Sri Solesvaran Temple is described as dilapidated.
There is also a small temple dedicated to the goddess adjacent to the main Solesvaran temple. Locals believe that this smaller temple was constructed in honor of Kulothunga Chola III.
The temple and its surroundings have deteriorated over time, with significant vegetation growth.
Locals have used the temple surroundings, and it seems to have been neglected. The temple has reportedly been used as a cattle feed dump yard.
A water tank constructed in front of the temple obscures the view of the adjacent Devi shrine.
The temple is in need of immediate attention and restoration.