Ardhanaareeswarar Temple is located at Kongunadu, about 18 km from Erode, in
Namakkal District,
Tamil Nadu. The temple 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 accessed by climbing about 1,220 steps on which are carved serpent forms.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple enshrines Ardhanariswara as the presiding deity. There is an idol of Bringi Rishi at the foot of Ardhanariswara. The deity is also known as Malai Thambiraan – which literally mean one who gives darshan on a hill. The temple has a separate shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga.
The Rajagopuram of the temple has five levels and five kalasams. The main Prakaram can be accessed after climbing down 20 steps from the entrance.
It is said that Arunagirinathar and Thirugnana Sambandar have sung in praise of Ardhanaareeswarar.
The annual festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (mid May - mid June) attracts thousands of devotees from far and near.
