Pillaiyarpatti

About Pillaiyarpatti

Far From City: 83 kms from city center
Cost: About Pillaiyarpatti Weather: Time Required:2-3 hrs Open Time:6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM Cost:No entry fee

History of Pillaiyarpatti Temple Although the inscriptions (said to be more than 15) in the temple premises estimate the age of the temple to be about 1600 years old during the early Pandyan empire, there are some who believe it to be older than thought. It has been found that the complex has undergone a three-stage reformation. First to have come into existence is the beautifully sculpted shrines of Karpaka Vinayagar and Tiruveesar (Lord Shiva). The pillars in the temple are of pre-Pallava origin (before 3rd century A.D.) A few inscriptions in the temple that dates back to 1091 A.D. - 1238 A.D. prove that during and after the 13th century A.D., Pillaiyarpatti Nagarathars became the custodians of the temple. It was during this second phase that intricate rajagopurams and vimanas were built. The third stage has been in the light of more recent events such as repair, refurbishment, rebuilding and renovation of the temple tank. Religious Significance of Pillaiyarpatti Temple The grand temple is the sole temple in the whole of the state of Tamil Nadu to house a 6-foot rock cut Pillaiyar idol. As one of the nine temples important to the Nagarathar community, it holds great religious and spiritual significance. Deities in the premises other than Pillaiyar are Karthiyayini (goddess of love and marriages), Nagalingam (god of birth) and Pasupatheeswarar (god of wealth). The Pillaiyarpatti temple is one of the four main Arjuna-Kshetras (abodes of Arjuna) in South India, the other being:Thirupudai Maruthur, Tirunelveli, Tamil NaduThiruvudai Maruthur, Thanjavur, Tamil NaduSrisailam, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh Architecture of Pillaiyarpatti Temple The temple architecture is a beautiful spectacle to gaze at with towering gopurams, rajagopurams, lovely bas-relief shrines, ornate carvings in an excavated cave and a fantastically designed temple complex. Being an ancient cave temple, the Pillaiyarpatti Karpaga Vinayakar Temple has stood the brutal test of time. Karpaga Vinayakar is the presiding deity here is a bas-relief. Lord Ganesha is portrayed with two arms and his trunk curled towards the right in valampuri position (seating arrangement towards the right side). The deity here is said to grant the wishes of his devotees like the Karpagam tree - a wish-fulfilling divine tree in Hindu mythology. Hence the name Karpaga Vinayakar. The main shrine was sculpted by a renowned artist called Ekkattur Koon Peruparanan. The proof is a Tamil stone inscription found in the sanctum. The ancient Hindu texts of Agama Shastra which specify on temple construction, meditative practices and deity worship have been implemented here in an intricate manner. The rock-cut marvel is an awe-inspiring sight. Pillaiyarpaati Festivals Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayagar Chathurthi as it is called here is the grandest of all festive occasions celebrated here. It is celebrated in August - September. A ten-day celebration takes place where the deity is taken in procession all over town. A chariot procession (car festival) takes place on the ninth day of the festival and is a divine sight. The local village deity - Kongu Nachiyamman is also honoured during a ten-day festival in the month of Vaikasi (May - June). The Thiruvathira festival is also celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi which coincides in December - January. Pillaiyarpatti Temple Pooja Timings Prayers and daily worship is offered to the presiding deity here. People from all over the state and outside flock here on a daily basis to offer their dedication and fidelity. Poojas are offered every day between 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The different kinds of Pooja and abhishekam timings are given below: Thiruvanandal Abhishekam: 6:00 AM to 6:30 AMKaalsanthi Abhishekam: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AMUchikalam Abhishekam: 11:30 AM to 12:00 PMMaalaisanthi/ Sayaratsai: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PMIravusanthi/ Arthajaman: 7:45 PM to 8:30 PM People who are interested to perform abhishekams can contact the administration well in advance. The contact numbers can be found on the official website.

Best time to visit Pillaiyarpatti The summer months between March and August can be pretty hot and dry. The best time to visit Pillaiyarpatti would be in the winter months between September and February when the weather is pleasant as compared to the other months. Festive occasions as mentioned above are great crowd attractors. This is the time when the temple and the town are at their glowing best, but the downside would be the large crowds. How to Reach Pillaiyarpatti The nearest major city to Pillaiyarpatti is Madurai at a distance of 70 kilometres (by road). Karaikudi, another heritage town, is only 15 kilometres away. The state capital, Chennai is 420 kilometres while Coimbatore is 240 kilometres from Pillaiyarpatti. State transport buses are available from major cities. You can also catch a train to Karaikudi or Madurai and proceed onto Pillaiyarpatti. The nearest airports are in Madurai and Tiruchirappalli (Trichy).

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Tips There are lockers here for your shoes and other belongings. Also, a fee may be charged for a video camera or a still camera.