Pillaiyarpatti Temple: Famous Ganesha Temple in Tamil Nadu

One of the most ancient rock-cut cave temples of Tamil Nadu, Pillaiyarpatti Temple is in Pillaiyarpatti, which lies between Pudukkottai and Karaikkudi.

Pillaiyarpatti gets its name from 'Pillayar' - the name Tamils call Ganesha. This ancient temple also has rock-cut images of Shiva, Lingodbhavar, and other deities. It also has shrines for some of these deities. The temple was built by carving a cave in the Pillaiyarpatti hillocks. The cave temple is probably over 2500 years old. The temple has 14 statues carved from rock.

There are more than 15 inscriptions in the temple that throw light on the age of the temple. The Sthalapuranam says that the temple grew in three distinct stages.

The first stage goes back around 1600 years. This was when the innermost rock-cut shrines, which contain the idols of Karpaka Vinayakar and Tiruveesar, were built. The uniqueness of Ganesha’s image testifies to this date. The characters in the temple inscriptions suggest this date, too. The pillars within the shrine go back to pre-Pallava times.

The Pallavas built many rock-cut temples in places like Mahabalipuram, Mahendravadi, Mamandur, Mandakapattu, Seeyamangalam, Namakkal, Tiruchi, Nartamalai, Kudumiyanmalai, Tirukkokarnam, Tirumeyyam, Peraiyur, Malayadipatti, Tirukolakkudi, Kunrakkudi, etc..

King Mahendravarman I (615 - 630 AD) and Narasimhavarman I (630 - 668 AD) built some of these. However, the Pillayarpatti inscriptions go back to the 4th century AD. As the temple is in the Pandya kingdom, it may have received Pandya patronage, more so as the Kazhugumalai temple nearby also received their patronage.

Several inscriptions found here date back to the period between 1091 AD and 1238 AD. So, it is evident that the Pillayarpatti Nagarattar became the temple’s custodians during the 13th century AD. This was during the temple’s second growth phase, when Vimanams and Rajagopurams were built.

The third phase of growth is more recent. It features the repair, rebuilding, and refurbishment of the temple complex, as well as the renovation of the temple tank.

Deities at the Temple

The presiding deity is Karpaka Vinayakar or Desi Vinayaka Pillaiyar. He has two arms, and his trunk curls towards his right. This is called the Valampuri mode. The idol is 6 feet tall and forms a bas relief in an excavated cave, off a hill in the temple precincts.

Vinayaga is the Lord of wisdom. His elephant head is in the shape of the Pranava Mantra "OM". As Vinayagar is said to fulfil devotees’ wishes like the Karpagam tree, people call him Karpaga Vinayagar.

Here, Vinayaga has only 2 hands, whereas he is usually depicted with 4 hands. Also, there is no Angusapasam, and his legs are folded. His stomach does not touch the Asanam. He sits in the Artha Padma Asanam.

‘Vinayaga’ means "Incomparable Leader." The belief is that those who worship Valamburi Vinayagar seated facing the north will enjoy all kinds of wealth.

The deity here is known as "Marudeeswarar."  Marudha tree worship is prevalent here, suggesting that this temple is ancient. A special feature is the sculpture of Pasupatheeswarar, which depicts a cow worshipping Lord Siva and offering its milk. Lord Kubera had supposedly worshipped here.

A sculpture of a snake with 5 heads wearing a Lingam on its neck illustrates that one who can control his 5 senses can understand God. The snake’s 5 heads symbolize the 5 senses, while the Lingam represents God. Also, the goddesses, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga, are found together at the same place.

Unlike other temples, the three Lingams Thiruveesar, Marudheesar, and Senchadeswarar, and the three Goddesses Sivagami Amman, Vadamalar Mangaiamman, and Soundara Nayaga Amman are all found together at the same spot.

Devotees believe that worshipping Kathyayini Amman at this temple can help women get relief from Sevvai dosham (Mars affliction).

Pillayarpatti is 71 km from Madurai and 12 km from Karaikudi on the Thirupathur – Karaikudi State Highway.

Festivals

Vinayagar Chathurthi, held during August-September, is the most important festival here. It is a 10 – day celebration. Sankata Hara Chathurthy is also celebrated every month.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airports are Madurai (70 Kms) and Trichy (100 Kms).

By Train

The nearest rail junction is Karaikudi.

By Road

The distance between Karaikudi and Madurai is around 12 km. One can get private cabs and buses to the temple.

Temple Timings

The temple will be open from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and also from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on all days.