Karpaka Vinayaka Temple also known as Pillaiyar Patti Temple is an famous hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vinayaka located in Thiruppatthur, Tamil Nadu, India.
Pillayarpatti is famous for its Karpaga Vinayagar Temple. It is a cave temple of the seventh century with a six-foot Vinayagar carved out of rock inside the cave.
In addition to Vinayagra, there is also a rock-cut Shiva Lingam and another bas-relief of Ardhanarishvara which is also considered as that of Harihara.
History of Karpaga Vinayagar Temple
This is an ancient rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka, the embodiment of wisdom. Scholars revere him as the “Karpaga Vinayagar,” the wish-fulfilling deity akin to the celestial Kalpavriksha tree.
Unlike most depictions, the idol here has two hands, sits in a unique “Artha Padma” posture (folded legs, stomach slightly raised) facing north. Devotees seeking prosperity revere this form.
Marudeeswarar, the presiding deity, signifies the temple’s antiquity, as Marudha tree (Terminalia Arjuna) worship is a prominent practice here. A captivating sculpture depicts a cow offering its milk to Lord Shiva, further enriching the temple’s spiritual aura. Legend says Kubera, the god of wealth, also worshipped here.
The presence of Goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga together at this temple amplifies its spiritual significance. Uniquely, the three Shiva lingas (Thiruveesar, Marudheesar, and Senchadeswarar) and their consorts (Sivagami Amman, Vadamalar Mangaiamman, and Soundara Nayagi Amman) all reside in the same space, showering blessings upon devotees.
Women seeking relief from Sevvai dosha, an astrological influence hindering marriage, find solace by worshipping Kathyayini Amman here. Additionally, the temple acknowledges the changing times by dedicating a separate sanctum, “Sakthi Sannidhi,” to the revered “Sabda Madhar” (community deities).
The temple’s antiquity is further evidenced by over 15 inscriptions found within its walls. The temple’s published “Sthala Purana” (temple history) meticulously details its growth across three distinct periods.
Quick Facts
- Address: P.K.NK.TRUST, Koil Road, Koothadipatti, Pillayarpatti, Tamil Nadu 630207
- District: Sivaganga
- Deity: Karpaka Vinayaka
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Dress Code: decent outfit recommended
- Festivals: VINAYAGAR CHATURTHI
- Best Time to Visit: August and September
ALSO READ: Vaitheeswaran Temple in Tamil Nadu – History, Architecture
Pooja Timings of Karpaga Vinayagar Temple
Thiruvanandal Abhishekam
06.00 A.M – 06.30 A.M
Kaalasanthi Abhishekam
08.30 A.M – 09.30 A.M
Uchikalam Abhishekam
11.30 A.M – 12.00 P.M
Maalaisanthi or Sayaratsai
05.00 P.M – 06.30 P.M
Iravusanthi or Arthajaman
07.45 P.M – 08-30 P.M
Sabari Malai or Thaipoosam Seasons(01-Nov to 20-Jan)
06.00 A.M – 8.30 P.M
Architecture of Karpaga Vinayagar Temple
Karpaka Vinayakar or Desi Vinayaka Pillaiyar is the presiding deity here, and he is portrayed with two arms and a trunk curled towards his right in the valampuri mode.
This 6 feet tall mammoth image of Ganesha is a bas relief in an excavated cave, off of a hill in the precincts of the temple. Scholars says that Lord Vinayaga is the Lord of wisdom, which is confirmed by the head of elephant in the shape of sacred mantram “OM”.
When we draw a line from the broken left tusk, starting upward, then turning left to wards right ear and after passing through the bended left tusk up to the tip of trunk, Tamil alphabet “O” appears.
The Lingam in the hand indicates the alphabet “M”. Together they form “OM”. This is confirmed by the lord here “Valamburi Pillayar”. As Vinayagar satisfies the wishes of his devotees like Karpagam tree, he is also known “Karpaga Vinayagar”.
Here Lord Vinayaga appears with 2 hands unlike in other places where he is seen with 4 hands. Also he is seen seated without Angusapasam, with his legs folded and stomach not touching the Asanam in the form of “Artha Padma” Asanam.
The word Vinayaga means “Incomparable Leader” Devotees worshipping Valamburi Vinayagar seated facing towards north, will be blessed with all wealth. Chanting of sacred mantrams by the student learning Vedas and agamas in the Vedaagama School create a divine atmosphere.
How to Reach Karpaga Vinayagar Temple?
By Air
The nearest airport to the temple is the Madurai airport which is around 70 km from the temple.
Other Nearest airports are Trichy located at 100 kms and Coimbatore which is about 260 kms
There are several cabs available to travel from the airport to Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple.
By Train
The closest railway station to the temple is Karaikudi which is located around 13 km from the temple.
You can take an auto to reach the temple.
By Road
Frequent Bus service available from major cities like Chennai, Madurai, Karaikudi, Devakottai, Tirucirappali, etc.
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