Perur Pateeswarar

Sri Pateeswarar - Perur

Sri Pateeswarar and Pachainayaki -(file picture-see the Kamadhenu behind the Shiva Lingam)

Perur Pateeswarar Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Perur, around 6 kms from Coimbatore. As per records the temple was built by Karikala Chola in 2nd century CE. The temple is located on the bank of the Noyyal River.This is one of the Padal petra sthalams, and has been patronized by poets like Arunagirinathar and Kachiappa Munivar and Sundaramurthy Nainar praised and sung about this place in Thevaram. Patteeswarar (Shiva) is the presiding deity of this temple together with his consort Pachainayaki Ambal. The presiding deity is a Swayambu Lingam.

It is believed that Kamadenu the divine cow performed severe penance on Lord Shiva. It was dripping its milk on the Shivalinga here hidden in an anthill. Its calf Patti in a playful mood, hit the anthill with its hooves and demolished it. Kamadenu fell at the feet of Lord and sought His pardon. Appearing before the divine cow, Lord Shiva said that He was pleased with the calf and that the place was the first among the moksha sthalas to His devotees. Lord Shiva said that this place (Perur) would be praised as Kamadenupuram and Pattipuri after name of the calf and that He would stay in the place as Patteeswarar. There is an idol of the calf behind the moolavar. If the priest shows you you can see Kamadhenu’s hoof mark as well.

Various names for the temple have been used over the years, including, Kamadenupuri, Pattipuri, Adhipuri, Daksha Kailasham, Thavasiddhapuram, Gnanapuram, Kalyanapuram, Pirava Neri Thalam, Pasupathipuram, and Melai Chidambaram. The temple was built by the Chola emperor Karikala in the 2nd century CE. Further contributions were made by Imperial Cholas in late 10th & early 11th centuries.

According to the sthalapuranam, the temple existed in three yugas ,Kruthayuga, Threthayuga and Dwaparayuga under different names, and was worshipped by Kamadhenu, Vyasa Maharishi , Sage Viswamitra and Lord Yama. It is beleived that, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu took the forms of the two sages Gomuni and Pattimuni and did tapas for many years. They were blessed with the darshan of Lord Nataraja and His consort Sivakamasundari, and Perur came to be called Melai Chidambaram. Sri Patteeswarar and Sri Maragathambigai or Pachainayagi are said to grant moksha ,the highest boon of ending the cycle of birth and death (`Piravaneri').

The temple entrance

The Temple As you enter the main sannithi of Pateeswarar,you can sense the vibe of sanctity. A special ticket of Rs 25- per person, can take you near the mmolavar inside the Sanctum and it is a real experience to be immersed in devotion forgetting one self. To the left is the sannithi of Goddess Maragadhambikai (Pachai Nayaki).This idol is said to be made maragadham (green stone or emerald) hence ambal is called Pachai nayaki. Because of the ornaments and other alankarams, one can not see the green stone. To the left of Amman sannidhi is Goddess Manonmani thayaar,consort of Lord Vishnu). To the right of Goddess Maragadhambigai is Lord Varadharaja Perumal where daily pooja are carried out in Vaishnava style.

Murugan Sannidhi

Lord Anjaneya is carved out of wood,you can see through a grill door which mostly always closed. There is a special shrine for Patti Vinayakar temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The sannithi for Lord Muruga is a big one.He is seen with his consorts Valli and Deivanai.Arunagirinathar had sung many Thiruppugazh in praise of Lord Muruga at this temple.

Beautifully carved Pillar

This temple has a big hall called the Kanaka Sabha said to built by Madurai Nayakar, which has a golden idol of Nataraja. The painting on the roof ceiling are beautiful,eventhough it has been painted over on the originals as the years passed by.The big pillars has chains made up stone dangling , and the pillars are decorated with exiquisite carvings of Shiva in his different forms and other deities. THe carvings are exiquiste and are cordoned off using plexi glass so the devotees do not damage them.Photography inside is also not encouraged.

Place where Gorak siddhar performed Tapas

There is a small garden in the praharam ,where Gorak Siddhar is said to have done Tapas (penance) here

Pirava Puli- The Tamarind tree

Unique trees of this temple `Piravapuli' (birth-less tamarind),a tamarind tree inthis temple is botanically unique.It is seen in front of the temple. It is said that the seed of this tamarind does not germinate when sowed. And also, behind the Patti Vinayakar temple,there are two palm trees which are said to be more than 1000 years old known as Irava Panai (Palm Trees that doesn't die). Hence this place is Pirappu, Irappu illa sthalam( having no birth or death.)

FestivalsDuring March every year the Panguni Uthram festival is celebrated with thousands of devotees thronging this temple to offer their prayers to Lord Pateeswarar.The annual festival is celebrated in Panguni month.In the month of Kartikai(Nov-Dec) Shankabishekam is conducted in the morning and Annabishekam in the evening.Bharathanatyam Dance is closely associated with this Temple and many students come here and perform their dance where Lord Shiva is supposed to have performed His Aanandha Thandavam.The Natyanjali (festival of dance) is celebrated with large number of classical dancers and students participating in the performance during September every year.It is said that such children who perform here before the Lord are blessed with their dancing skills. Arudra darisanam is conducted during Margazhi(Dec-Jan) month with large gathering of devotees

Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali Khan also patronised this temple, indicating religious harmony between Hindus and Muslims.Even today, a unique ritual called "Dheevatti Salaam" is conducted in the evenings, which is believed to have originated as a mark of respect shown by the Muslim rulers to the temple deity. During this ritual, a lamp is offered and salutations are made, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence and mutual reverence between communities. This tradition continues to be observed, drawing devotees and visitors who appreciate its historical significance. People from all over the State throng the temple during Thiruvadirai, Panguni Uthiram. On the banks of the Noyyal banks known as Perur padithurai , people perform tarpanam for the pitrus.

Temple Timings It is normally open from 5 am – 12:00pm and 4.30pm- 8:00pm.

How to reach?The temple is located at the suburbs of Coimbatore.Plenty of local buses,cabs and auto rickshaws are available anywhere from Coimbatore.

Where to Stay?There are plenty of budget and semi deluxe hotels in Coimbatore .
Where to Eat?There are many good restaurants in Coimbatore.
Places nearby Isha Dhyanalinga, Velliangiri
Address Siruvani Main Rd, Perur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641010, India
Contact Phone No: 0422 - 2607991, 0422 - 2606849

Useful data
State: Tamil Nadu
District: Coimbatore
Famous for: Pilgrimage
Languages: English,Tamil
Best Season: Throughout the year. Summer( from February to June) could be very hot and dry when the mercury shoots to 40 degree celsius.
Weather: Summer 33-42°C, Winter 16-28°C
Altitude: Sea level