12th October 2019
The visit to this 11th to 12th Century Arulmigu Azhagunachi Amman Temple at Vellalore was a part of Kongu Heritage Walk, on 12th and 13th of October 2019. After the Dharshan of Sri Karivaratharaja Perumal, we had been to this temple, which is about 500 meters distance away from the Perumal Temple. Vellalore = Velir + Oor, which means this place belongs to Velir, who engaged themselves in agriculture and cattle / animal husbandry. This Amman temple is right on the banks of river Noyyal also called as Kanchima River ( காஞ்சிமாநதி ).
The Place Vellalore exists since ancient times. Megalithic period burial grounds are excavated in this place Vellalore. The Rajakesari Peruvazhi / Trade Route from West sea side Chera ports to Chozha Nadu Poompuhar passed through this place. It was a Trade city and more than 500 Roman coins were unearthed on the banks of river Noyyal. Out of the Roman Coins found in India, 70% are from Kongu region.
Presiding Deity: Arulmigu Azhagunachi Amman
Some of the important details are…
The temple is facing North on the banks of river Noyyal. Entrances are from North and South side. On the north side entrance Vinayagar and Nagars under a Peepal Tree. On the South side entrance Spatha kanniyars are under a Peepal tree.
The Deepa Sthambam, Soolam and Simha vahana are in front. Two female bootha ganas with big belly in sitting posture are in front of the artha / mukha mandapam grill gate. Since the temple was found closed during our visit we could not see the presiding deity. As per the front arch stucco image iconography the presiding deity must be A Kali or Amman with 8 hands.
ARCHITECTURE
The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum sanctorum and arthamandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is of rectangular in shape and it seems this temple may be sapthamatrikas. ( The temple was found closed during our visit ). The adhisthana is of pathabhantha. The sanctum sanctorum do not have any koshta or niches. A rectangular Vimana with 3 kalasas are on the sanctum sanctorum. Sapthamatrikas stucco images are on the Vimana. On the top of the arthamandapam, the stucco arch with image of Amman with 8 hands probably Kali / Mahisaha mardhini ( mahishan was not found below ). On both sides Murugan and Vinayagar.
HISTORY
It was told that the temple Amman is a kaval Theivam of the Village Vellalore and constructed during Vijayanagara period. But the inscriptions on the walls seems to be much older and may belong to 11th to 12th century. Ashtabhandhana maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted in 2011.
TEMPLE TIMINGS:
Since oru kala pooja is conducted the opening and closing time are unpredictable.
HOWTO TEACH:
Vellalore/ Vellalur is about 6 KM from Podanur / Pothanur, 16 KM from Ukkadam Bus Stand and 12.6 KM from Coimbatore Railway Station.
Town buses are available from Ukkadam and Gandhipuram City bus terminus.
Nearest Railway station is Coimbatore Junction.
Dwarapalaki
Sapthakanniyars
11th to 12th Century inscription
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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