Piliyarpatti

     Pillayarpatti is an ancient rock-cut cave shrine dedicated to Ganesha, located at Pillayarpatti, 15 km west of karaikkudi. The presiding deity, Pillayar is a bas-relief sculpture on the wall of the cave and named as Karpaga Vinayagar.  It is different from other pillayar idols in having only two hands instead of the usual four, besides there are no weapons in His hands, quite different from the others.  It is said to have been the earliest image that would have been made when Pillayar worship was introduced in Tamil Nadu.  .  The Agama texts found on stones in the temple help date the temple between the years of 1091 and 1238.  A unique Tamil image of Ganesha found in the temple is Karpaka Vinayakar or Desi Vinayaka Pillaiyar.  During the 12th century, this temple came under the administration of the Nagarathar community and the temple is still in their hands.  Siva is always represented with four arms but queerly in this temple He is found with two arms. There are vatteluthu inscriptions in this temple dating back to 7th century A.D. The mandapam has the sculpture of Ashta Lakshmi.  The Vinayaga Chathurthi day (August – September) and January 1st are very famous in this temple. Lakhs of people visit and worship Lord of people visit and worship Lord Pillayar here on these days.  A giant size Kozhukkattai (Modhaga) is made weighing several kilos and offered to the deity on the Vinayaka Chathurthi day.  It takes 3 or 4 days for steaming the Kozhukkattai.

     Like all Shivite temples, Pillayarpatti temple also has Lord Shiva as its presiding deity.  Lord’s name is Arjunapureeswarar.  This temple is more famous for the rock cut Vinayagar (Ganesha) sitting majestically inside a cave.

Shri Karpaga Vinayagar

     The Vinayagar sannidhi (Sanctom Sanctorum) is a cave where the 6 feet Karpaga Vinayagar has been carved inside.  As this is a cave formation, there is no provision to go around for the Pradakshina. The inner sanctum is well illuminated with oil lamps and the whole idol is covered with gold.  It’s only during the Abhishekam or the holy bath when we get to see the full idol in its pristine glory.