Mahendrvadi Somanathar Temple, Vellore

Address

Mahendrvadi Somanathar Temple, Vellore, Mahendravadi village, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu– 632502.

Moolavar

Somanathar

Amman

Kamakshi

Introduction

The Somanathar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Mahendravadi Village in Vellore District, Tamil Nadu.

Puranic Significance:

The temple is believed to be approximately 1500 years old and is associated with the worship of Lord Shiva as Somanathar.
According to Puranic accounts, Chandra (the Moon) sought to get rid of his shortcomings and surrendered to Lord Shiva by performing penance and worshiping him at various places. One of these sacred sites is Mahendravadi, which is located in Vellore district, and it is believed to be where Chandra received blessings. Hence, this place is known as a Shivthalam, and the presiding deity here is Somanadeshwar or Somanathar.

Beliefs:

The story of Chandra’s curse by Daksha and his subsequent penance and worship of Lord Shiva is an important part of the temple’s lore.
The temple features a Chandra Pushkarani Theertha on its north side, where devotees can bathe, perform abhishekam to Somanadeshwar, and offer curd naivedyam (food offering). It is believed that such rituals can help remove lunar dosha (malefic effects associated with the Moon).

Special Features:

The temple is relatively small in size but holds great significance due to the powerful presence of Lord Shiva as Somanathar.
Lord Shiva is enshrined facing east, while the goddess Ambikai Kamakshi graces the temple’s south direction.
Worshipping Lord Somanathar is considered especially auspicious on Sashti, Karthikai, and Visakha Nakshatra days, particularly when these days fall on a Tuesday.
Additionally, the temple features a separate sanctum for Lakshminarayana Perumal.

The Somanathar Temple serves as a place of devotion, prayer, and worship, where devotees seek the blessings of Lord Shiva to overcome challenges and malefic effects associated with the Moon. The temple’s historical and religious significance makes it a revered site for those who visit and pay their respects.