Shiva Temple, Thellur

Om Namah Shivaya!

அவன் அருளாலே அவன் தாள் வணங்கி. In Manickavasagar’s words, ‘We bow down to HIM by HIS grace’. Uzhavarapani is an opportunity, the Lord bestows on us mortals to be very close to HIM, indulge in HIS service and attain ecstasy. On 26.01.2020, The Lord bestowed one such blessing to discover an ancient dilapidated Shiva temple in Thellur village, around 10 kms from Vellore. Around 50 volunteers from Annamalaiyar Arapani Kuzhu including students from Rajalakshmi College of Engineering, Chennai got involved in Uzhavarapani.

This ancient Chozha era temple is probably 900 years old and inscriptions mention that this temple was built and maintained by Chozhas and later by Vijayanagara rulers. Inscriptions hold references of Kulothunga Chozhan and Mandaleshwarar Devaraya Maharayar of Vijayanagara empire.

From Chozha inscriptions, we understand that this village was earlier called Thellaiyur and the Lord’s name was ‘Uraanguluntha Nayinar’. When explored the temple covered with thick foliage and gigantic ant hills, the team could see the destroyed pieces of sculptures scattered everywhere. This temple probably would have been plundered and destroyed.

As an indication to later destruction, Inscriptions clearly mentioned that those damage this temple would attain a curse as severe as killing a cow near Ganga. A part of Maha madapam was severely damaged and plundered. A huge ant hill welcomed with recently shed snake skin.

Inside Garba Griha, A destroyed Lingam with only Avudai intact and signs of plundering and a beautiful Ambal statue just behind. The Tamil daily Dinakaran published an extensive article about this temple in 2018. The Uzhavarapani team cleared bushes and over-grown vegetation in the surroundings and on top of the temple.

As the temple structure revealed itself, it was amazing to see the beautiful pillars which still supports the temple from crumbling and also a sculpture which depicts an angry elephant smashing a human under it. The team comprising both young and old enthusiastically participated. Later, women devotees cleaned the inner part of temple, drew beautiful Kolams and lighted lamps. At the end, the team offered Pooja.

Thanking the Lord for this wonderful opportunity, the team left Thellur with a sense of satisfaction and gratitude. It was overwhelming to receive praise and assurance from villagers who promised to maintain the temple thereafter.

Thiruchittrambalam.

Credits to Shri. V. Ramachandran and Annamalaiyar Arapani Kuzhu.

The google map link of this temple is https://goo.gl/maps/WgqSya79j61GYTcV9 .