Religious Places

Perur Patteeswara Swamy Temple

Written by Sudhir Kumar

The most renowned Perur Patteeswara Swamy Temple is situated on the banks of the holy river Noyyal. Pilgrims visit here from far to pay homage to their ancestors at this spot near the temple on the river bank. Located 6 km towards the west of Coimbatore is the Perur Patteeswara Swamy Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Perur Patteeswara Swamy temple is the most popular temple in the city. Built by the King Karikala Cholan, this temple is situated 7 kms west of Coimbatore near river Noyyal.The presiding deity is Shiva and the ‘Swayambu Lingam’ is the idol worshipped here. This sanctum is the joint effort of the  Chola,  Hoysala  and Vijayanagara rulers during their reign. The greatest attraction of the temple is the ‘Kanaka Saba’ or the golden hall which is adorned by a gold plated statue of Nataraja bestowing blessings upon the two sages – Gowmuni and Pattimuni. The gopurams and pillars of the hall are exquisitely carved out sculptures highlighting Dravidian architecture.The significance of Perur temple in earlier days are unfolded in the poetic creations of Arunagiri Nather and Kachiappa Munivar. The temple stands on the banks of the holy river Noyyal called ‘Kanchi Manadi’ by the locals Popular travel destinations. Pilgrims from all over visit this spot to pay homage to their ancestors. It is believed that the mortal remains of the dead turn into white stones after about 144 days. Perur temple is a unique blend of fine sculpture and exquisite architecture. There is a legend behind the construction of this temple. According to that, a calf of Kamadhenu while playing in the Arasu trees forest hit on a hard object and blood gushed out from it. Later a sacred ‘Siva Lingam’ was discovered from that place which led to built a temple here. The Garba graha, i.e the sanctum sanctorum that enshrine Lord shiva in the form of Shivalingam is believed to be  built by the Chola monarch, Karikala Cholan. Chola, Hoysala and Vijayanagara rulers have gave architectural contributions to this temple during their time in power. Images of Kamadhenu and Bhoga Shakti are enshrined in the walls of the sanctorum. The inner circumambulatory passage that surrounds the sanctum sanctorum has images of 63 Saivite saints, Sahasra Lingam, Bhairavar, Surya and Chandra.

History of the Temple

The belief about the temple iis that the mortal remains of the dead turn into white stones after about 144 days. The famous temple of Perur Patteeswara Swamy Temple was built by the King Karikala Cholan; this temple’s sanctum is the joint effort of the Chola, Hoysala and Vijayanagara rulers during their respective reigns. The presiding deity here is Lord Shiva and the ‘Swayambu Lingam’ is the idol worshipped here. The Perur Patteeswara Swamy Temple’s greatest attraction is the ‘Kanaka Sabha’. Built along the characteristic style of Dravidian architecture, the Kanaka Sabha is a golden hall which is been adorned by a gold plated statue of Nataraja bestowing blessings upon the two sages – Gowmuni and Pattimuni. The gopurams and pillars of the hall are bedecked with exquisitely carved sculptures. At the entrance of this famous temple there are prominent figures of the Indian soldiers. Holy palm tree Irava Panai (the deathless palm) and a holy Tamarind called Pirava Pule (the unborn Tamarind) can be seen within the temple compound. Pilgrims from all over visit this temple to pay homage to their ancestors, as it is believed that after about 144 days the mortal remains of the dead turn in to white stones. On the bank of the temple tank, there are two additional temples to Shiva and one of these temple is known as Arasambalavaanar temple. Besides these, there are also shrines dedicated to Bhairavar and Nataraja.

Time to Visit

Perur temple celebrates the festival ‘Panguni Uthiram’ in its full spirit during the month of March. The annual temple festival is celebrated in the tamil month of Pankuni. During September, Perur Natyanjali dance festival is held where dance programs by leading artistes are hosted within the precincts of the temple. Chitrai (Tamil New Year), Aadi (Pooram and Ammavasai), Purattasi (Navarathri), Ayppasi (Soora Samharam), Karthigai (ThiruKarthigai), Margazhi (Aarudra Dharisanam), Panguni (Uthram) are some of the auspicious occasions celebrated in the temple. The temple timings to worship are from 05.00AM to 12.00 PM and 03.00 PM to 08.00 PM. Perur Patteeswara Swamy Temple is a Awesome Place For Vacations.

How to Reach the Temple

  1. Through Airways -The nearest airport to Perur Patteeswara Swamy Temple is Coimbatore
  2. Through Railways – The nearest station to Perur Patteeswara Swamy Temple is Coimbatore Junction.
  3. Through Roadways- the city of Coimbatore is connected to all the major cities in the country.

About the author

Sudhir Kumar

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