Vasishteswarar, Veppur
Saivite Temples - Vellore District
God
Vasishteswarar, facing east
Goddess
Balagujalambigai, facing east
Other Deities
Sanctum Niches – Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswarar. Sarabeshwarar, Pratyangara Devi, Bairava, Agora Veerabadra, Eesana Lingam, Manickavasagar, Navagrahas, Saneeswarar, Surya
Vasishteswarar Veppur is a beautiful and large east facing temple with a 5 tier Rajagopuram in the south. The temple is on the southern bank of the Palar River. This is one of the 7 Shadaranya temples. The others are Agastheeswarar Vannivedu Athreeswarar Kudimallur, Gowthameswarar Kaarai, Bharadwajeswarar Pudupadi, Valmikeeswarar Melvisharam and Kashyapeswarar Avaraikadu. Both the god and goddess are east facing representing the marriage form. Sage Vasishta is seen here praying to the lord in standing position.
Holy Water – Palar River
Holy Tree – Neem (Azadirachta indica)
History
A stone inscription here at Vasishteswarar Veppur is said to mention the contributions of one Veera Sampanna Sambuvarayar in the year 1169 CE towards construction of the Mahamantapa, Artha Mantapa and Sanctum. The temple has been in existence before that period itself. Arunagirinathar (15th century CE) has sung the praise of Lord Muruga here at Vasishteswarar Veppur in his Thirupugazh.
Legend
Vasishteswarar Veppur is one of the seven temples in the area where the Lingams have been installed by the 7 great sages: Vasishta, Valmiki, Gowthama, Agasthya, Aththiri, Kashyapa and Baradwaja. This lingam is believed to have been installed by Sage Vasishta and hence called Vasishteswarar. The place is said to have received its name Veppur because of the large number of Neem (Veppam) trees found here in the olden days.
Directions
After crossing the Palar near Arcot continue for about a kilometer, cross the green thunder theme park and you will see a small board directing to Vasishteswarar Veppur temple on the right hand side.
Stay and Food
None locally, closest is Arcot
