Shivan Temples in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu , Coimbatoreplaza.com

Coimbatore Shiva Temples

Patteeswarar Temple, Perur

Kovai was once ruled by the Irula chieftains and was known by the name Kovan patti; Coimbatore, christened by the British was once known as Kovanputtur.

In the first century CE, this area was ruled by local chieftains; artifacts from trade carried out by these people with the Romans of that period are housed in local museums in the area.

It is believed that the Chola monarch Karikaal Cholan built the sanctum of this temple in around 500 CE, housing the Shivalingam which is the center of Worship today. This temple was visited by the Saivite saint Sundarar in the 9th century.

The Cholas of the 10th and 11th centuries made further additions to this temple. In this period, the Cholas also built the Sangameswara temple in the heart of Coimbatore.

Inscriptions from around the 13th century CE testify to the contributions made by the Chera rulers to this temple during that time.

This temple was patronized later by the Hoysalas of Karnataka and by the Vijayanagar rulers; it was during the time of the Vijayanagar patronage that a number of people speaking Telugu and Kannada migrated to the Coimbatore area.

It was in the 17th century CE that the ruler Alagadri Nayaka of Madurai built the Kanakasabha mandapam with exquisite sculptural work.

Built by Karikala Cholan, the temple is at its colourful best in March, when the 'Panguni Uthiram' is celebrated.

SHIVA, the presiding deity of this temple is known as 'Patteeswarar' and his consort Parvathi is known as 'Panchanayaki'.

Perur Patteeswarar Temple

The temple upholds huge statues. The sculptures that are on the walls of the 'Kanagasabai' clearly reflect the eminence of the then sculptors.

The statues of Gajasamhara, Virabadra, Bikshadana, Oordhva Thandava, Saraswathi with Veena all rival one another in artistic perfection. 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 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. 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.

Spare its entry tower, the bulk of the temple is hidden by the multitude of small commercial establishments that surround its presence. The tower painted with modern paint stands out proclaiming the existence of the temple, the very appearance of the tower conceals the antiquity of this temple dating back to the Sangam period of Tamill History.

Worship: Five worship Services are carried out each day and this temple resonates with the singing of the Tevaram hymns. Of particular significance is the Arudra Darisanam festival in the month of Maargazhi where thousands of people congregate to celebrate.

The annual festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Pankuni. Mondays in the tamil month of Kaartikai are considered special and are marked by Shankhabhishekam in the morning and by annabhishekam in the evening.

The Perur Natyanjali dance festival is celebrated in the month of September where dance programs by leading artistes are hosted within the precincts of the temple.

The five tiered gopuram mentioned above marks the entrance to the temple. The mandapam encountered as soon as one enters the temple, bears murals representing the life of the Saivite saints on its ceiling. The Nataraja shrine itself is a work of art.In front of the shrine is a mandapam constructed by the royal patron Alagadri Nayakar of Madurai, with several pillars with life sized images depicting the various manifestations of Shiva.

Also painted on the ceiling of this mandapam are images depicting scenes from Saivite mythology.

Perur is one of the seven Kongu Sivalayam, a temple of great sanctity with architectural & sculptural blend of South India. This Pateeswarar Temple is situated in the banks of the river Noyyal. It is 7 kms from Coimbatore. This temple was built by Karikal Cholan, 1500 years ago.

Apart from the Cholas, Hoysalas and vijayanagara emperors also made contributions to this temple. The main deity is Lord Shiva (Pateeswarar) and his consort Pachainayaki. Other Temples in its compound are, Pattivinayakar, Arasambalavanar and Kailasam Temples.

The greatest attraction of this temple is the golden hall (Kanaka Sabai) which has a gold plated statue of Nataraja blessing the two stages Gowmuni and Pattimuni.

The temple is open from 6.00 to 13.00 hours and 16.00 to 21.00 hours. Poojas are performed daily at 5.00 - 9.30 hours, Uchi Kala Pooja at 12.30 hrs and 16.00 - 18.30 hours.

Panguni Uthiram and Thiruvadirai are main Festivals here. Every year Natiyanjali dance festival is celebrated. Town Buses plying in the route are 2, S8A, 14, S14, 25A, 61, 107 etc.

Phone : 0422 - 2607991.

Sithalingeswar Temple

The temple is situated at Vellalur, about 2 km from Singanallur Police Station. The Lingam here is made up of Navapashana. It took 10 years to make this 8 feet lingam.

Kotteeswarar Temple
Fort, Coimbatore - 641 001.

Coimbatore Shiva Temples

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