Margabandeswarar Temple – Virinjipuram

Travel for 13 km from Vellore to reach the famous Sri Margabandeswarar Temple, located on Bangaluru- Madras National Highway. The temple worships Swayambu Lingam known as Margabandeeswarar. Other gods and goddess worshipped in the temple are- Maragadambal, Ganapathy, Subramanya, Chandra Mouleeswara, Pancha Mukha Lingam, Saptha Matrukas, Lakshmi, Saraswathy & Durga. The temple also worships  Lord Virinjan who is a form of Lord Brahma. It’s through his name that the place got its name- Virinjipuram. The temple is thought to be built in the 13th Century by Cholas Kings. Later, Bomma Nayakars extended the temple and constructed more rooms to it. The temple shows the Dravidian type of architecture. The temple has beautifully carved pillars and is decorated with stunning sculptures all over. The artistic work of the temple is worth appreciating. The temple witnesses grand gathering during the months of Panguni (March/April) when the rays of the sun fall directly over the presiding deity. One can notice the two Kalyana Mandapas, beautifully decorated with the artistic pillars and sculptures. Numerous pillars are depicting various religious stories about the god. The pillars show the true beauty of the works of artists from the past. Festivals- The temple commences annual festivals during Theerthavari in Panguni (March/April) for 10 days, Shivratri (February/March) and Navarathri (September/October).