Temples of Vellore district in Tamil Nadu depict the historical aspect of the district and narrates many events of the bygone era. Vellore district in Tamil Nadu is one of historical places of southern India. The literal meaning of Vellore is derived from the Tamil words, Vel (Spear) + oore (city), means `City of Spears`.
The important temples of Vellore district are Kshirapthinath Temple, Adi Kesava Perumal Temple, Sri Rama Temple, Margabandhuswami Temple, Sholingur Narasimha Temple, Arulmigu Balamurugan Tirukkovil, Seliamman Temple, Vallimalai Subramanyar Temple, Avaniyapuram Hill Temple, Umapatheeswarar Temple and many more.
Adi Kesava Perumal Temple, one of the temples of Vellore district is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at Thandalam in Vellore District. This temple of Vellore district was built towards the end of the Chola period. The procession idols are that of Sri Adi Kesava Perumal with his consorts, Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Gopuram and vimana are the prime features of this temple. Seliamman Temple, one of the eminent temples of Vellore district is situated at Vellore in Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to goddess Seliamman. According to myths, if an unmarried woman offers her prayers to the goddess, she will be blessed with marriage soon. An annual fair is held in this temple during the months of March-April.
Sri Rama Temple lies at Nedungunam in Vellore District. Lord Ram is the presiding deity, in a sitting position with chin mudra, Sita on his left and Lakshman to his right. He assumes the role of Guru and Lord Hanuman is seated listening to his Lord. Here the Lord is known as Vijaya Raghavan, signifying his victory over Ravana. The temple boasts a five-tier Rajagopuram. There are the idols of Lord Garuda and Dwarapalakas (gate-keepers) inside the temple. Moreover, there are shrines for Azhwar, Lord Krishna and Lord Venkateswara. One can also see two idols of Anjaneya. Sudharsana has a separate shrine with Yoga Narasimhar.
Jalakanteswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the well-known temples of Vellore district, inside the Vijayanagar Fort. This temple dates back to about 1550 AD and has various architectural monuments of the Vijayanagar kingdom. Among them are the sculptures of Yali and other legendary figures inside the pillared mandapam. An image of Lord Ganesh is kept at the entrance of the mandapam. Vellamalai Temple is dedicated to Subramanya. Situated on the top of a hill, this temple of Vellore district is carved from a massive stone. Here devotees tie cloth onto trees for gratifying their wishes. Kshirapthinath Temple, one of the famous temples of Vellore district is located at Tiruparkadal and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Lord of the Milky Ocean. There is a separate worship place for Goddess Kadalmagar Nachiyar. The temple teertham is Amruda Teertham.
The temples of Vellore district are popular all across south India for their designs and deities.
