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Tourist Places to Visit in Ariyalur

 Ariyalur district is rich in historical landmarks and temples.

Melapaluvur & Keezhaiyur


  • Meenatchi Sundareswarar Koil, Melapaluvur: Once known as Mannuperumpaluvur, Periyapaluvur, and Melaipaluvur, this village was the capital of the Paluvettaraiyar Chiefs, who ruled as feudatories of the Chola Kings from Aditya I to Rajendra Chola I. The Sundaresvarar temple dates back to Aditya Chola I and was originally called Pagaividai Isvaram.

  • Pair of Temples – Keezhaiyur

  • Kilaiyur: The eastern part of Melapaluvur, known during the Chola period as Avani Kandarvapuram, was a mercantile town. The Siva temple, Avani Gandarva Isvaram, was built in 884 AD by Paluvettaraiyar chief Kumaran Kandan. This temple showcases early Chola architecture and is notable for its exquisite sculptures.

Kilapaluvur

This village, known as Sirupaluvur in the past, was part of the Paluvettaraiyar capital. The Alanduraiyar temple here was mentioned in hymns by Thirugnanasambandar in the 7th century AD. According to legend, Sage Parasurama did penance here to atone for his sins. The temple, worshipped by Malayali Brahmins, was constructed from stone during the reigns of Parantaka Chola I and Uttama Chola.

Thirumalapadi

  • Vaithiyanaatha Swami Thirukkoyil: This site dates back to the Sangam period and was known as Malavar-padi, later Thirumalapadi. The Siva temple, Vaithiyanaatha Swami, was praised in hymns by Devaram Nayanmars Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar. It was built in stone during the reign of Aditya I, later rebuilt by Rajaraja I, and restored by the Hoysala king Viranarasimha in 1235-36 AD. The temple is famed for the Nandi Kalyanam festival, believed to aid in overcoming marriage obstacles.

Kamarasavalli

  • Karkodeshwarar Thirukkoyil: Built during the reign of Sundra Chola in 962 AD, this temple is associated with several legends, including Rathi's penance to regain her husband, Manmatha, and the serpent King Karkotaka's relief from a curse. The temple houses over 40 inscriptions from the Chola, Pandya, and Hoysala periods and features beautiful sculptures and bronzes from the Chola era.

Govindaputtur

Located on the northern bank of the Kollidam River, this village houses the Siva temple Ganga Jadadisvarar, praised in Devaram hymns by Appar and Sambandar. According to legend, Parthan from the Mahabharata and the celestial cow Kamadhenu worshipped Siva here. The current stone temple was built around 980 AD during the reign of Uttamachola. The temple features sculptures and bronzes from the early Chola period.

Vikkiramangalam

  • Rajendra Cholisvaram: Established during Rajendra I's reign, this village was once called Vikkiramacholapuram. It served as a sub-capital for the Chola kings and a major trade center. The village preserves beautiful Jain and Buddha sculptures from the Chola period.

Sendurai, Sennivanam, and Sripurandan

Epigraphical evidence shows that the Siva temples in these villages date back to the periods of Rajaraja I, Rajendra I, and Kulothunga III.

Gangaikondacholapuram, Gangaikondacholisvarar Temple

  • Gangaikondacholisvarar Temple: The most famous landmark in Ariyalur, built during the reign of Rajendra I, commemorates his victory in the Gangetic plains in 1023 AD. The temple is a stunning example of Chola architecture and houses beautiful sculptures, some of which were war trophies. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it remains under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE).

Ariyalur – Kodandaramswamy Kovil

  • Kodandaramswamy Kovil: This Vishnu temple, also known as Kondandaramaswamy Kovil, features a shrine for Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita. The temple complex includes a Dasavatara mandapa with carvings of Vishnu's ten avatars and a six-story gopura.

Vettakudi – Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary

  • Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary: This 453.71-hectare sanctuary is an irrigation tank that becomes a vital feeding ground for migratory water birds. It is one of the largest tanks in Tamil Nadu, hosting a significant congregation of water birds, including the endangered Bar Headed Goose. The best time for bird watching is from September to March.

Elakurichi

  • Adaikala Matha Temple: This Roman Catholic pilgrimage site was established by the Italian missionary Constantine Beschi (Virama Munivar) between 1710 and 1742. The temple received a land grant from the local chief, as recorded in an inscription from 1763.

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