Pillaiyarpatti is a small town twelve kilometers from Karaikudi, near Madurai, in the Sivagangi District of Tamil Nadu. The town is named after the Ganesa Temple that adorns it. Here, Lord Ganesa is known as Pillaiyar, Tamil for revered and noble son, and ‘Karpaga Vinayakar’, Lord who offers his blessings like the celestial tree Kalpaka whose specialty is ‘ you ask and it will be given’.
Heritage
Pillaiyarpatti temple is an ancient rock cut temple of about 1,600 year old. As Vinayagar ( Ganesha in Tamil) satisfies the wishes of his devotees like Karpagam tree, he is also known “Karpaga Vinayagar”. Over 15 inscriptions are found within the temple, that help establish the age of the temple. The Stalapuranam published by the temple classifies the growth of this temple into three distinct stages. It is said to gave built by the early Pandiya kings. This temple is the only one in TamilNadu which deserves pride for having a 6 feet rock-cut Vinayak idol.
History
Ganesha were carved out of a stone by a sculptor called Ekkattur Koon Peruparanan who put his signature on a stone inscription found even today in the sanctum. He put his signature in Tamil Language which was in use between 2nd and 5th century AD. It can be concluded that the icon of Karpaga Vinayaka must have been carved around 4th century AD. The deity of this temple is known as “Marudeeswarar” as Marudha tree (In Sanskrit Arjuna Virutcha,Tne Botanical name is Termanalia Arjuna) worship is followed in this temple which indicates that this temple in an ancient temple. The sculpture of pasupatheeswarar, “A cow worshipping Lord Siva by offering his milk” is the special feature of this temple. Also Kuber, the Lord of wealth had worshipped at this temple.
Location: The temple is located about 12 km’s from Karaikudi on the Thirupathoor - Madurai road, Tamilnadu India. This temple is situated 71 kms from Madurai.
Transport: Take Karaikudi Buses that are available from Mathutavani Bus Terminal, bus stop: pillayarpatti. Bus Fare is around 30Rs.
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