Karpaka Vinayakar Temple, Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu
| Date built: | 4th century |
|---|---|
| Deity: | Lord Ganesha |
| Architectural style: | – |
| Major festivals | – |
| Locale: | Thiruppatthur, Sivagangai District |
| District:: | Sivaganga |
| Address: | Vanmathi nagar., Koothadipatti, kandhan kollai village, Tamil Nadu 602025 |
| Phone | 04577264240 |
Pillaiyarpatti Pillaiyar Temple is an ancient rock-cut cave shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, located at Pillayarpatti in TiruppathurTaluk, Sivaganga district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Pilliyarpatti is located 12 kilometers far, east to Tiruppathur, 3 kilometers far, west to Kundrakudi Murugan temple and 16km far, west to Karaikudi, and 47km far, north-east towards Sivaganga town, the district head-quarters.
The presiding deity of the temple is Karpaka Vinayakar.In the cave temple, there are rock cut images of Siva and other gods as well as several shrines. The Āgama texts found on stone inscriptions in the temple help to date the temple between the years 1091 and 1238 b.c.
Architecture
Pillaiyarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar temple was built by early Pandyas.Karpaga Vinayagar is carved out in a cave of Pillaiyarpatti Hillocks. Lord Thiruveesar (Shiva) is also carved in the rock of this cave. The age of the cave temple may be 2500 years or more.There are 14 stone Sculptures in the cave (dated from 500 BC to 1284 AD).These stone sculptures state the ancient names of Pillaiyarpatti such as Ekkattoor, Thiruveenkaikkudi, Maruthangudi, and Rajanarayanapuram. The image of Pillaiyarpatti Pillaiyar and that of a Siva Lingam were carved out of a stone by a sculptor named Ekkattur Koon Peruparanan who put his signature on a stone inscription, in Tamil Language used between the 2nd and 5th century, found even today in the sanctum. It is believed that the icon of Pillaiyarpatti Pillaiyar must have been carved around the 4th century AD.
The Vinayagar sannidhi (Sanctom Sanctorum) is a cave where the 6 feet of Karpaga Vinayagar has been carved inside that faces north direction. As this is a cave formation, there is no provision to go around for the pradakshina. Vinayagar’s trunk is curved at the right side (Valampuri Vinayagar) which is unique feature. There are deities in this temple such as goddess Karthiyayini (who arrange marriages), Nagalingam (who gifts offspring), Pasupatheeswarar (who showers all wealth).
Legend / Local stories
This is an ancient rock cut temple. Scholars says that Lord Vinayaga is the Lord of wisdom, 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.
The deity of this temple is known as “Marudeeswarar” as Marudha tree (In Sansscrit Arjuna Virutcha, The Botanical name is Termanalia Arjuna) worship is followed in this temple which indicates that this temple in an ancient temple. The sculptur of pasupatheeswarar, “A cow worshipping Lord Siva by offering his milk” is the special feature of this temple. Also kubheran the Lord of wealth had worshipped at this temple.
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