Choleeswarar, Melpadi
Saivite Temples - Vellore District
God
Arinjigai Easwarar, facing east
Goddess
None
God
None
Choleeswarar Melpadi is a small east facing temple. This is built on the grave of a Chola king and is thus called a Pallipadai (Sepulchral) Temple. Choleeswarar Melpadi is a stone structure with a beautiful small Vimaana. The temple is in the control of Archaeological Survey of India and is not open mostly.
History
Choleeswarar Melpadi was built in 11 th Century CE by Rajaraja Chola I in the memory and on the grave of King Arur Thunjiathevar (Grand Father of Rajaraja Chola) who died in a battle. 3 stone inscriptions dating back to the later part of Rajaraja Chola I’s rule are found here and according to them the deity was called Arinjikai Ishwara.
Legend
No information
Directions
Choleeswarar Melpadi is about 17 kms from Ranipet on the Chittoor Road. A little before Ponnai a bridge across the River Bahuda cuts off on the left to reach Melpadi. Choleeswarar Melpadi is just after the bridge on the left of the road. On the right is a large temple to Lord Somanatheeswara, also in ASI control.
Stay and Food
None locally
