Naganadhar, Ambur
Saivite Temples - Vellore District
God
Naganadhaswamy, facing east
Goddess
Samayavalli, facing east
Other Deities
Sanctum Niche – Nrithyaganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Lingotbavar, Brahma, Chandikeswara, Vishnu Durga. Outer Prakaram – Siddhdhi Vinayakar, Navagraha, Kalabhairava, Lingam, Naalvar, Pazhani Aandavar, Sivasuriyan, Muruga with consorts. Nataraja, Sivakami
Naganadhar Ambur is a medium sized temple with a 3 tiered Rajagopuram at the eastern entrance. Thirugnanasambandar being given the divine milk by goddess Parvati, Markandeya being rescued by Lord Shiva from Yama are depicted in this Rajagopuram. On top of the entrance leading to the sanctum is depicted the marriage of Lord Shiva with Parvati in good detail. The temple has one prakaram where almost all the deities are situated. A Goshala (Cow shed), and a beautiful temple car are present.
Holy Water (Theertham) – No information
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information
History
Naganadhar Ambur was built in the 12th Century CE by Chola Kings. Cholas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagara Kings have contributed to the development of Naganadhar Ambur according to stone inscriptions found here.
Legend
A cow herd who saw his cows shedding milk into a snake mound informed the king who cleared it and discovered the Shiva Lingam amongst the displaying snakes. Thus the Lord at Naganadhar Ambur is called Naaga (Snake) Naadhar. This is also considered a Raaghu, Kethu speciality temple.
Directions
Naganadhar Ambur is in the middle of Ambur town adjacent to the old Vaniyambadi Road. Please refer our map below or ask for the way. The roads are small, crowded and it may be good to take a local auto.
Stay and Food
One or two decent places to stay (CR Regency) and eat (Sai Sangeet, Amirtham) are available in the Ambur bye pass road. The original Star Biryani and a host of other Ambur Biryani hotels are available all over the place.
