Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam | 259th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam) |
Region | Kongu Naadu |
Kongu Naadu | 1st Shiva Sthalam |
Pathigam | Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar) |
HISTORY:
The
Lord Avinashilingeswarar enshrined in this temple is believed to be an offshoot
of the one in Kashi (Varanarasi). For this reason, Avinashi is also known as
Dakshin Kashi.
The
temple belongs to 10th century CE. The present structure of the temple was originally
built by the Kings of Chola, Hoysala and the Mysore dynasties. The main tower
was first built during the period of King Sundarapandian and later
reconstructed by the King of Mysore.
It
is said that the temple has a close relationship with the Mysore Royal family.
In the early days, it was customary for the king-designate to go to Kashi,
bring a Lingam from there and perform poojas in this temple before assuming
power and stately responsibilities.
As
per the Tamil saying “Kasiyil Vasi Avinashi”, it is believed that devotees
looking to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva in Kasi-Varanasi, can do so by
worshipping Lord Avinashilingeswarar in Avinashi. The Theertham (holy water) in
the “Kashi Kinaru” and the idols of Lord Avinashilingeswarar and Lord Bhairavar
are said to have been brought from Kashi. Bathing in the Kashi well in this
temple on new moon day (Amavasya) is considered to be auspicious.
Goddess Karunambikai:
Goddess
Karunambikai did her penance and worshipped the lingam under the Pathiri Tree
here. The Pathiri tree of this temple would blossom only during the
Brahmmotsavam festival and not during other days of the year. According to this
temple Sthala Puranam, this shows the devotion of the tree to Lord Shiva.
Sage Vasishta worshipped in this temple:
Sage
Vasishta worshipped in this temple to seek respite from the adverse effects of
Sani Bhagwan (Planet Saturn). It is believed that he installed an idol of Sani
Bhagwan in this temple. This idol is now worshiped as Anugraha Murthy.
Lord Brahma worshipped here:
The
lord of this temple is also known as Brahmapureeswarar because it is believed
that Lord Brahma worshipped here to seek atonement for his sin.
People who worshipped here:
Lord
Ram, Iravath (Lord Indran’s white elephant), Thadagai and Naga Kannigai are
also believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here.
Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar:
This
this temple is that on his way to meet King Cheraman Perumal at
Thiruvanchikulam, Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar happened to pass by Avinashi and
heard conflicting voices from two neighbouring houses. One is blooming with
happiness and joy and the other gloomy and melancholy. He was told that three
years ago, when two boys of the same age had gone to take bath in the nearby
tank, one of them was devoured by a crocodile. The surviving boy was supposed
to have his Upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony) that day which was the reason
for celebration in one of the houses. On the other hand, the members of the
other house were mourning the loss of their son as they felt that they too
would be celebrated had he been alive.
On
seeing this, Saint Sundarar immediately went to the temple and demanded the
Lord to direct the crocodile to give back the boy it had swallowed three years
ago. Sundarar rendered a soulful Pathigam pleading Lord Shiva to resurrect the
dead child. As he sang the fourth stanza his prayers were answered. To the joy
of everyone around him, water started flowing into the dry tank; a crocodile
emerged from it and ejected a full grown boy of seven years. Saint Sundarar
took the boy to the parents and arranged his Upanayanam.
SALIENT
FEATURE:
·
Vinasam in
Sanskrit and Tamil means perishable. Avinashi means imperishable (eternal).
·
The colloquial
name of this temple is Karunaiyaathaal Temple.
·
Avinashi is
referred to as Dakshin Kashi (South Varanasi).
·
The historical
name of the place is Tirupukkoliyur. Thiru meaning grace of God and Pukkoliyur
meaning a place of refuge. It is said that once Devas took shelter in this
temple in fear of Asuras.
·
The main tower
(Rajagopuram) is 7-tiered and is more than 100 feet in height.
·
The temple is a
protected monument under the Archaeological survey of India.
·
There is a 70
feet high pillar constructed of a single stone called “Deepa Sthambam” with
sculptures of Lord Vinayakar and Saint Sundarar.
·
The temple has
two precincts. The Navaranga Mandapam in the inner precinct has intricate
sculptures and reliefs highlighting the artistic excellence of the era.
·
The large Nandi
and the carved image of a scorpion inside the Goddess’s sanctum are also of
significance.
·
This temple is
also called Villvavanam as the premises was once believed to have been
surrounded by a large number of Vilvam trees.
·
Saint Manicka
Vasagar referred to this temple in his celebrated Tiruvasagam hymns.
·
Saint
Arunagirinadhar has also sang in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his
revered Thirupugazh.
·
Saint Thirumular
has also immortalised this temple in his Thirumantiram.
·
The Ther
festival is the most exciting festivals in this temple and the Therottam (Car
Pulling) attracts thousands of devotees every year. This temple’s Ther is one
of the biggest in South India and is noted for its intricate wooden carvings.
·
The procession
of the 63 Nayanmars (Arupathi Moovar Ula) is another notable festival.
TEMPLE INFORMATION:
|
Moolavar |
Sri Avinasi Appar / Sri Perungkediliyappar |
|
Ambal |
Sri Karunambikai / Sri Perungkarunai Nayaki |
|
Theertham |
Kasi Kinaru (well), Naga Kanni Theertham, Iravata
Theertham, Kashi Gangai Theertham in the form of a well |
|
Sthala Vriksham |
Pathiri Tree |
BELIEF:
The
Kashi Kinaru (well), inside the temple is considered to be the Ganges of Kasi
itself and is considered to be auspicious.
It
is believed that devotees get respite from the adverse effects by worshiping
Sani Bhagwan (Planet Saturn) here.
The
event ‘Mudalai Vaai Pillai’ Utsavam (literally translated as “boy in the grip
of a crocodile” is commemorated in a grand manner every year for three days
during Panguni.
Chithirai
Brahmotsavam is celebrated grand manner in April-May with flag hoisting on
Mrigaseersham star day and Ther (Car) festival on Pooram star day.
TEMPLE
FESTIVAL:
|
Tamil Month |
English Month |
Festival Name |
|
Panguni |
Mar-Apr |
3 days ‘Mudalai
Vaai Pillai’ Utsavam |
|
Chithirai |
April-May |
Chithirai
Brahmotsavam with flag hoisting on Mrigaseersham star day and Ther (Car)
festival |
HOW
TO REACH:
This
temple is about 40 kms from Coimbatore and 10 kms from Tiruppur. Nearest
airport is at Coimbatore. Nearest Railway station is at Tiruppur.
TEMPLE
ADDRESS:
Sri Avinashi
Lingeshwarar Temple,
Avinashi,
Thiruppur,
Tamil Nadu - 641 654.
LOCATION:
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