Melpandikkuppam Kailasanathar Shiva Temple, Vellore

Address

Melpandikkuppam Kailasanathar Shiva Temple, Vellore

Melpandikkuppam, Sholinghur,

Vellore District,

Tamilnadu- 631102.

Moolavar

Sri Kailasanathar

Amman

Sri Kamatchi

Introduction

The Melapandikuppam Kailasanathar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sri Kamatchi Amman, is located in the village of Melpandikkuppam, which is in the Sholinghur circle of the Vellore district in Tamil Nadu.

Location: The temple is situated in Melpandikkuppam, which is approximately 5 km from the ancient city of Sholinghur.

Presiding Deities: The primary deity is Sri Kailasanathar (Lord Shiva), and the Mother Goddess is Sri Kamatchi Amman.

Historical Significance: The temple has a rich history dating back around 1500 years. It is believed that the temple was originally constructed by the Ashta Dik Balakars during ancient times. Over the centuries, the temple underwent renovations and was maintained by various dynasties, including the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara kings.

Puranic Significance: The temple, which was once sprawling, has shrunk in size over the years and is currently in a state of neglect. According to legend, during the reign of the Vijayanagara kings, a Kumbabishekam (consecration ceremony) was held at the temple. Since then, the temple has not received the care and attention it deserves.

In this temple, Lord Eesan (Lord Shiva) is majestically depicted as belonging to the Thevalinga. There is a belief that eight deities, representing the eight directions (Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirriti, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera, and Ishana), prayed to Lord Eesan here. They sought his blessings to protect life on Earth from natural disasters, and as a result, the town has been called Disai Puram, Kuberapuri, and Eesanapuram.

The temple also houses a shrine to Goddess Kamatchi (Goddess Parvati), who is situated on the eastern side. Various deities, including the consorts of the Ashta Dik Balakars, prayed to Goddess Kamakshi here, and she granted their requests.

Special Features: Devotees believe that worshiping at this temple can cure diseases and bring blessings of peace and prosperity. Lighting a Nei-deepam (ghee lamp) and offering prayers to Mother Kamatchi is believed to remove obstacles and hurdles, particularly those related to marriage.

There is also a shrine dedicated to Kasi Vishwanathar and Kasi Visalachchi, and it is believed that worshiping them at this temple can help remove ancestral curses (Pitru Dosha) and bestow blessings similar to visiting the Kasi Vishwanath Temple.

The Melapandikuppam Kailasanathar Temple, with its historical significance and religious importance, is a place of devotion and spiritual solace for devotees seeking blessings and solutions to life’s challenges.