Azhagirinatha Perumal Salem

Azhagirinatha Perumal, Salem

Vaishnavite Temples - Salem District

God

Azhagirinatha Perumal, facing east

Goddess

Sundaravalli Thaayar, facing east

Other Deities

Anjaneya, Garuda, Lakshmi Narasimha, Vinayaka, Krishna with Bhama and Rukmini, Vinayaka, Naagar, Chakrathazhwar, Aandal, Santhana Gopalan, Vishnu Durga, Venugopala, Perumal Paadham, Azhwars. Sanctum Niches – Muralidharan, Varahar, Bala Narasimha, Yagna Narayanan

Azhagirinatha Perumal Salem is a large east-facing temple situated in a single large Prakaram. The entrance is through a gateway in the east. A long covered corridor leads inside, the sides opening out to the outer Prakaram. A large Anjaneya and a beautiful Garuda idol are here. The main deity is a large 9 feet tall idol with his consorts Sreedevi and Bhoodevi, facing east. On the south side of the sanctum sanctorum of the main deity is the east-facing shrine of the goddess. On the north side is the shrine of Aandal. There are large idols of Azhwars installed on the northeast side of the Prakaram. A shrine for Ramanama Stupi and a beautiful Nandavana (Sundara Vanam) are behind. On the north side of the Sanctum sanctorum is a shrine with the large feet of Mahavishnu.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Vanjula Pushkarini

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Punnai (Calophyllum inophyllum)

Vimaanam – Sarvadobadri Vimaanam

History

Legend

Azhagirinatha Perumal Salem is an ancient temple as is evident from the large number of inscriptions found here. Historical information and the details of the inscriptions are not available as of now. The Nayak Kings have served Azhagirinatha Perumal Salem temple.
Legend – The place is believed to have been known as Sri Sailam (the birthplace of the consort of Lord Vishnu) and later evolved to Salem. On his way to find Sita had a bath in the Thirumanimuthar River and seeing the alluring beauty of the lord decided to stay here at Azhagirinatha Perumal Salem. Once when Sage Brigu went to see Lord Vishnu in his abode, he was talking to Goddess Mahalakshmi and did not notice the sage. The sage in anger hit the lord. Angered by this action the goddess left the side of the Lord. Vishnu himself angered by the sage’s action removed his wisdom eye making the sage powerless. Realizing his great folly the sage sought the pardon of the Lord. Lord Vishnu asked him to come here and perform penance towards the goddess and seek her pardon. When Sage Brigu came here he found a baby girl, took her up, and brought her up as his child, naming her Sundaravalli. The child grew up and was adamant in her desire to marry Lord Vishnu. The Sage understanding the situation worshiped Lord Vishnu here at Azhagirinatha Perumal Salem and gave her in marriage to him.

Directions

Azhagirinatha Perumal Salem is in the Fort (Kottai) area of Salem. Parking is difficult.

Stay and Food

Salem has some excellent restaurants for food and hotels for stay.

Vaishnavite Temples

Tamilnadu Temples