The temples of the Namakkal district are marvels of brilliant architecture in South India. Namakkal district in Tamil Nadu is nearby Kolli hills and forms part of the Eastern Ghats. Kolli Hills is the most attractive destination in Namakkal district and the Cauvery River flows across the Namakkal district. Namakkal is also called as "Namagiri", meaning the rock formation at the center of the town. Namakkal is well known for its temples and other sacred sites.
The temples of the Namakkal district are famous because of Sri Namagiri Thayar`s mercy, the greatness of Lakshmi Narasimha`s cave temple and the greatness of Lord Hanuman. There are many popular temples in the Namakkal district, mainly located around the Rockford. The temples of the Namakkal district are well connected in all major cities by roadways. Ardhanaareeswarar Temple is located at Kongunadu and is built at about 1,900 ft above sea level on top of a hillock called Naagagiri (Naaga - snake; giri-mountain), which has two enjoined peaks. The temple can be reached by climbing about 1,220 steps on which are carved serpent forms. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and an idol of Bringi Rishi at the foot of deity Ardhanariswara is also seen. The Rajagopuram of this temple has five levels and five kalasams. The main Prakaram can be reached again after climbing down 20 steps from the entrance. The annual festival of this temple is celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (mid May - mid June), attracting thousands of devotees from far and near.
Kapilarmalai Subramanya Temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga. This small cave temple of Namakkal district is situated on a hill named after saint Kapilar who is believed to have meditated here. The place of meditation is marked and respected. Kollimalai Arappaleeswarar Temple is one of the major temples of the Namakkal district and dates back to the period of Appar. The temple is also associated with Matsya Muni and a three-day annual festival celebrated in the month of aadi that attracts several devotees.
Subramanya Temple is a hillock temple of Namakkal district situated at Alavaipatti near Rasipuram. The temple can be reached from the foot of the hill by climbing up 1500 steps. The foremost deity of the temple is Lord Muruga. The main festivals of this temple are Thaipusam, Skanda Shashti, Panguni Uttiram and Kartikai Somavaaram. This temple holds the festival image of the Ekambaranathar temple, which is located at the foothills. The temples of the Namakkal district are widely known across south India for its unique sculpture.
