By Ardhanareeswara Temple is situated in Tiruchengode in Namakkal district in Tamil Nadu, south India. This temple is mentioned in the Tamil book ‘Silappathikaram’ and is situated on a hill top. Either you can walk up 1206 stairs made of stone or by vehicle. There are resting place along the way for those who walk up to the temple. This is the only one temple in Asia which has lord Shiva’s half-male, half-female idol. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ardhanareshwara. This temple was built more than 2000 years ago. The wonderful Rajagopuram with 5 tiers in the temple will amaze anyone. This temple is 1900ft above sea level. Ardhanareeswara temple with art, sculpture and architecture is the best example of the glory of ancient Tamil sculpture. The temple hall is designed with 30 monolithic granites pillars having statue of soldiers riding horses. In front of the mandapam there are remarkable sculptures of Veerabhadra, Manmadhan, Rathi and Kali and all these are monolithic sculptures. There is a famous Trichenkkottu Velavar temple above Ardhanareeswara temple. That is dedicated to Lord Muruga. This Shiva temple is one of the 275 worship places in which the hymns of saiva saints are praised. Chariot festival of Sengottuvelavar temple held on month of Vaikashi for 15 days is the important festival. Ardhanareeswara temple can be described as a museum of art and sculpture. The timing is from 6am to 6pm.
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