Temples in Salem, Tamil Nadu, are renowned for their cultural and architectural beauty, drawing both devotees and history enthusiasts. Some temples, like the ancient Sugavaneshwarar Temple, are dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing intricate Dravidian designs and historical roots. The Kottai Mariamman Temple, over 500 years old, is a centre for vibrant festivals, especially in summer. Modern marvels like the towering Murugan Temple add to Salem’s religious charm.
Top 10 Prominent Temples In Salem
There are many temples in Salem where locals worship regularly. Here is a list of 10 famous temples in Salem that you must visit on your next trip there.
1. Sri Sai Baba Temple
Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons
Sri Sai Baba Temple is located at a distance of at least 1 kilometre from Salem Railway Station. It was built around 2009 and is dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba. This temple is known to be one of the biggest Sai Baba temples in Salem city. The idol of Sai Baba is made out of white marble and can be seen seated inside the sanctum. The ambience of this magnificent temple is tranquil and gives peace to the minds of devotees who visit it. The temple, known as Annadanam, provides food to unprivileged people.
Location: 94/14, Mullai Nagar, Suramangalam, Salem, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM, 4:30 PM – 9 PM
2. Panduranganathar Temple
Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Paanduranganathar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located near the Sugavaneshwarar and Rajaganapathi Temples in Salem city. The Paanduranganathar temple is renowned for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance. It attracts devotees from various regions of the country. The temple is known to be one of the significant temples for followers of the Vaishnavism tradition. It is dedicated to the deity Panduranga, who is known to be a form of Lord Vishnu. The Paanduranganathar temple hosts numerous religious ceremonies and festivals throughout the year.
Location: M532+63W, Manickam Pillai Street, Shevapet, Salem, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 7:30 AM – 2 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:15 PM
3. Sugavaneshwarar Temple
Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons
Sugavaneshwarar temple is one of the historic temples in Salem. The temple is east-facing, and its entrance is on the south side. On the opposite side of the entrance is the Thiru Nanthi mandapam, and on the south side, Vinayagar is located. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and various other deities such as Vaishnavi, Gowmari, Maheshwari, Mahendri, and Chamundi. It got its name Sugavaneshwarar from the fact that a parrot was granted a wish from this image of God. The other names of Sugavaneshwarar are Babanasar, Nahisar, Pateeswarar, Kili Vanthal, and Mummudi Nathar.
Location: Mettu Agraharam, first Agraharam, Salem, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM – 9:30 PM
4. 1008 Lingam Temple
Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons
1008 Lingam Temple is known for having 1008 Shiva Lingam. The main shrine is surrounded by 1007 small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, which have a Shiva Lingam in them. In front of each temple, there is an idol of Nandi in sitting form. The temple is located in Ariyanoor in Salem city and is managed by a department of Vinayaka Mission. At the entrance, you can see a giant idol of Lord Ganesha. It is said that each of the lingams in the temple complex is named after the name of Lord Shiva.
Location: H3WJ+Q6Q, Ariyanur, Salem, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 24*7
5. Venkatachalapathy Temple
Photo: பா.ஜம்புலிங்கம் / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Venkatachalapathy Temple is known as Salem Tirupathi Temple by the locals. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, who is also known as Venkatachalapathy. Venkatachalapathy Temple does not have a conventional Dwajasthambam or Rajagopuram, unlike other Vaishnava temples. It is east-facing and has a small entrance. There are two yali placed near the steps, which are made out of stone. The idols of the Lords, such as Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Vinayaka, have been incorporated into the temple’s architecture.
Location: 6th Cross, Brindavan Road, Fairlands, Salem, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM
6. Rajaganapathi Temple
Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons
Rajaganapathi Temple is situated in Salem and is dedicated to Lord Ganapathi. It is believed that the temple was constructed over 400 years ago. The king of that era considered that Lord Vinayaka would protect them from evil. The famous Sugavaneswarar temple is situated near this temple. Sri Rajaganapathi Temple is located at a distance of about 2 kilometres from the Salem bus stand. The temple stays filled with devotees wanting to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the Lord.
Location: 14 A , Car street, first Agraharam road, Salem, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 7 AM – 12:30 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
7. Pattai Kovil
Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons
Pattai Kovil is one of the most important temples of Lord Vishnu in Salem city. Lord Vishnu is regarded as Sri Prasanna Varadharaja Perumal here. Alongside the idol of Lord Vishnu, there are idols of his consorts, Bhudevi and Sridevi. The temple has separate shrines for the goddess Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, Perundevi Thayar, Yoga Narasimha, Hayagreeva Swamy, and Garuda. It consists of beautiful, intricate paintings that can be seen on the walls. The paintings depict some famous incidents that were performed by Lord Vishnu’s incarnations.
Location: Second Agraharam, Salem, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
8. Kalangi Siddhar Temple
Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kalangi Siddhar Temple is among the eighteen Tamil Siddha temples. It is famously known for housing holy water bodies, which have medicinal properties and cure a wide range of ailments. Devotees visit the temple regularly to attend various pujas and take a dip in the holy streams surrounding the temple. There are numerous small reservoirs, perennial wells, and tiny waterfalls present around the Kalangi Siddhar temple. The temple is made in memory of a Siddhar saint known by the name Kalangi Nathar.
Location: J28W+4XH, Kanjamalai R.F., Tamil Nadu
Timings: 24*7
9. Kottai Mariamman Temple
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Kottai Mariamman Temple is a famous temple located in the heart of Salem city. It is believed to be more than 500 years old. In Kottai Mariamman Temple, the presiding deity is Goddess Kottai Mariamman (Goddess of Rain). It is located on the banks of the river Thirumanimuthaaru and is regarded as one of the oldest pilgrimage sites of the city. The temple gets crowded around auspicious days like Amavasya and New Year. It is located near the old bus stand of Salem city and can be reached easily.
Location: M535+MMM, Fairlands Main Road, Agraharam, Salem, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6:30 AM – 11 AM, 5 PM – 8 PM
10. Skandasramam Murugan Temple
Photo: Thamizhpparithi Maari / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Skandasramam Murugan Temple is located amidst hillocks and is surrounded by serene surroundings. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Lord Murugan. There are various other shrines in the temple complex dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Sri Panchamukha Heramba Ganapathy, Dattatreya, and Swarnakarshana Bhairava. It is located in a village, and the temples in the complex form a linga due to their placements.
Location: Udayapatti, Salem, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 7 AM – 12:30 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Temples in Salem capture the region’s deep spirituality and architectural heritage, making them a must-visit for anyone interested in Tamil Nadu’s religious sites. Each temple, from the historic Kottai Mariamman to the impressive Muthumalai Murugan, offers a unique glimpse into Salem’s vibrant culture and devotion. For those inspired to experience these sacred places, book your trip with TripXL and start planning your journey to these spiritual landmarks in Salem.
Cover Photo: RAJUKHAN SR RAJESH / Wikimedia Commons