1008 Lingam Temple in Salem

Introduction to the 1008 Lingam Temple

Salem is famous for its unique, beautiful, and historic temples. The 1000 Lingam Temple is one such temple located in Ariyanoor, Salem, Tamilnadu. The surrounding Sangagiri Mountains and greenery create an ethereal sense of serenity.

History of the 1008 Lingam Temple

Vinayaka Mission Institutions constructed the 1008 Lingam Temple in 2010. It also built many colleges and offers graduation courses in different fields. A separate department in the college manages and maintains the 1008 Lingam Temple.

The Architecture of the 1008 Lingam Temple

The temple displays a typical South Indian architectural style. The 1008 Lingam Temple has 1007 Shiva Lingams, which surround the main temple of Shiva. The main Shiva Lingam is at the center.

The 1008th Shiva Lingam has the Nandi statue installed before it. Every Shiva Lingam in the temple is named after Shiva's Sahasra names, signifying his various attributes and forms.

A giant statue of Ganesha at the foothill greets visitors at the temple gate.

At the top of the hillock is a huge main statue of Sri Umaiyambigai Sametha Sri Arunachala Sundareswara, the primary deity of the 1008 Lingam Temple. Visitors can

park their vehicles, ascend the hill, or drive to the top. On the way, they can witness beautiful Muruga sculptures.

The main Shiva Lingam is 17 meters high. Shiva, as Arunachala Sundareswara, graces with his consort Umaiyambigai (Parvati). Every Shiva Lingam is built in a

uniform pattern with equal distance between them in a row from bottom to top.

Palani Murugan, Swami Malai Murugan, Thiruchendur Murugan, Pazhamuthircholai Murugan, Tiruthani Murugan, Thiruparamkundram Murugan, Raja Rajeshwari, Anjaneya,

Mahalakshmi, and Venkatesa Perumal shrines are present amidst the Shiva Lingams.

Festivals in the 1008 Lingam Temple

Maha Shivaratri is one of the most grandly celebrated festivals in the 1008 Lingam Temple. It attracts a huge crowd from the nearby areas. Other Hindu festivals are also celebrated.