Avinashi Lingeswarar
Temple, Avinashi
The
Avinashi temple is believed to be the first among the seven shivastalams of
Kongunadu. It is also known as the Karunaiyaathaal temple. The temple's
construction is connected to a legend based on Sundaramurthi Nayanar. The
'Moovendargal' Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas have made huge bequest to this
Temple.
Avinashi
is part of the ancient Kongunadu which now comprises the districts of
Coimbatore, Salam, Dharmapuri, Karur and Palani. This Place of Great historical
importance was known as Thirupukkaliyur in the ancient times. Avinashi temple
is located on the Chennai Cochin NH47 highways.
The
Tamil saying goes – Kasiyil Vasi Avinashi meaning that what the devotee derives
by worshipping in Kasi-Varanasi, he/she derives half of the benefits by
worshipping Avinashilingeswara in Avinashi. Lord Avinashi Appar, Lord Bhairava
and the holy water-Theertham- are brought from Kasi. Bathing in the Kasi well
in the temple on new moon day-Amavasya brings manifold benefits to the devotee.
There will be no interval closing of the temple on new moon days.
Vinasam
in Sanskrit or Tamil means perishable. Avinashi means imperishable.
Location of the temple
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Avinashi
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Lord Shiva known as
|
Avinasiappar, Avinashi Lingeswarar
|
Female deity known as
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Karunambikai
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Pathigam
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Sundarar - 1
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How to reach
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This Shivasthalam is
situated 40 Kms from Coimbatore and about 14 Kms. from Tirupur.
The nearest railway station is at Tirupur. Another Paadal Petra
Sthalam Thirumurganpoondi is about 5 Kms. from here.
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Temple address
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Arulmigu Avinasiappar Temple,
Avinashi Post
Avinashi Taluk
Thiruppur District
Pin Code - 641654
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Facts
A
'deepasthambam' can be observed in front of the temple. A special fact about
the deepasthambam is that it is shaped out of a single stone. Towering over 70
feet, the lower part depicts the carvings of the boy's rebirth off the mouth of
the crocodile, Sundaramurthi Nayanar and Lord Ganapathy. In 1756, the king of
Mysore endowed the temple with a hall supported by 30 pillars. This hall can be
observed in front of the deepasthambam. The Rajagopuram or main tower here is
built over 100 feet and is believed to be the highest in the whole of
Kongunadu. It was initially built by Kongu Pandian. Later on the renovation was
done by the king of Mysore. The present tower was constructed by Sundara Swamigal
of Kumara mutt in 1980
There
are a lot of holy trees located within the temple. The 'Pandhiri' tree where
the deity of Amman is seated is considered holy. It was a mango tree
previously. Apart from the trees, the temple was also known as 'Vilvavanam' as
the temple was surrounded by Vilvam trees in the past.
This
Shiva temple at Avinashi is spread over an area of 1.5 acres and is located on
the banks of Nallar River. The main Rajagopuram is on the east side with 7
tiers. The first idol that one worships on entering the temple through the
Rajagopuram is the Selva Vinayagar. On the ceiling above the carved image of
Uchi pillayar can be seen. Anointment of this deity is believed to bring rains
even during drought conditions. Inside the gopuram, the idols of saints
Sundarar and Manickavasakar are seen on the left side. Inside there are two
corridors. Once we enter, there is a mandapam and magnificent sculptures of
Gods and Goddesses like the Veerabadhirar, Oorthava Thandavamurthy, Kali can be
seen on the pillars of the mandapam.
From
the mandapam, one can enter the sanctum sanctorum of Avinasiappar shrine. The
Lord Avinashi Lingeswarar enshrined here is looked upon as the offshoot of the
one in Kashi (Banaras). Thus Avinashi is called the Kashi of Kongunadu. The
inner corridors on the four sides of the sanctum sancotrum are decorated with
the images of Nayanmars, Murugan Sannadhi in the northwest and Karaiakal
Ammaiar Sannadhi on the northeast.
The
shrine of Goddess Karunambikai (consort of Avinashi Lingeswarar) is seen
separately and is located on the right side of the presiding deity. It is
located in the southern side of the temple corridor. The front mandapam of
Goddess Karunambikai shrine has carvings of figures like the elegant and
beautiful Kurathi or her more rugged male counterpart Kuravan, which arrest the
attention of everybody entering this shrine. At the back of the shrine is
carved a figure of scorpion, which is said to have the efficacy to cure a
person, from even the bite of a venomous snake and sting of scorpions. The Kala
Bhairava shrine of this temple has a special status.
The
most important Festival of this temple is the annual Car Festival celebrated in
the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May). This Festival is one of the biggest events
in this region, celebrated for 11 days. The Lord will be carried in different
carriers in the first four days. The Car pulling is the Prime attraction of
this festival and the grand function will be completed with the function of
pouring turmeric water.
Legend
Sundaramurthi
Nayanar was passing through the town of Avinashi on his way to meet Cheraman
Peruman. While going along a street he observed two houses overlooking each
other. He couldn't help but notice the contradictory auras emitting from both
houses: one of joy and the other of sorrow. Enquiring about the event he came
to know the reason behind the incongruity. Two boys, of the same age went for a
swim in a river nearby. While they were having their bath a crocodile appeared
all of a sudden out of nowhere and consumed one of them. The child who managed
to survive was 8 years old and was going through his 'Upanayanam' (Sacred
thread ceremony) on the specific day.
Hence
one of the houses was in a joyous mood celebrating the boy's escape from the
jaws of death. The other house which had lost a boy was mourning over his death
and therefore was filled with sorrow. For the irony was that had the other boy
been alive he too would be going through his 'Upanayanam'.
Sage
Sundarar immediately went to the temple and demanded the Lord to direct the
crocodile to give back the boy it swallowed three years ago when he was four.
He prayed to Lord with a Pathigam (10 verses).
As
he sang the fourth stanza begging the Lord to direct the crocodile to return
the boy, to the joy of all around him, the crocodile brought back the boy with
the growth he would have at the age of seven.
Sundarar
took the boy to the parents and arranged his Upanayanam too. This is a great
event related with this temple. During the Panguni Uthiram festival in
March-April, Mudalai Vai Pillai – boy in the grip of the crocodile – Utsav is
celebrated for three days.
History
The
temple was constructed by the king of Kongu chola, The Pandyas, Hoysalas and
the king of Mysore. The renovation process was done by Krishna Raja Udayar of
Mysore in 1756. The temple went through a dry period of no recognition
for the next 150 years until 1919, when an ‘Ashta Bandhana Maha Kumbabishekam’
was organized. In 1954 Ten Thevaram songs were inscribed into the marble stones
by the Thirupanandal Kashi Mutt. Renovation of the temple was again
carried out in 1959 by the department of the archaeological works. In 1970 the
temple administration was transferred from the Archaeological department to the
HR and CE department. In the same year, the 2.95 acres of land over which the
temple was located was handed over to the government. Sundara Swamigal of
Siravai Adhinam completed the main tower work and in 1980 a mahakumbahbishekam
was organized. A fire accident led to the damage of the cars in 1990. A new car
was built and came under use in 1993.
A
five stage tower was constructed in the same year due to the efforts of
Pollachi. Thiru.N.Mahalingam. A special shrine was built for Sundaramurthi
Nayanar in 1996. Under the Tamilnadu Government’s Temple town development
scheme, the east gate construction and other activities were carried out in
1999-2000.
Temple Structure
The
east facing shrine of Avinashi Lingeswarar is located on the banks of Nallar River.
A
Deepasthambam can be seen in front of the temple which is carved of single
stone. The lower part of this 70 foot post bears the carvings of lord Ganapathy,
Sundaramurthi Nayanar and the rebirth of a boy from the mouth of a crocodile.
This Deepasthambam (Post) is a unique feature in all the ancient temples of
Kongunadu.
A
30 pillar hall built by the King of Mysore, Udayar in the year 1756 is located
in front of the Deepasthambam.
Main Tower
The
Main Tower (Raja Gopuram) of this temple is nearly 100 feet height and one of
the biggest towers in the Kongunadu.
This
tower was first built during the period of Kongu Pandian Sundarapandian (1285 -
1300). Later it was reconstructed by the King of Mysore.
In
the year 1860, the tower was damaged by the lightning and totally demolished by
the district administration.
The
present structure was constructed by Sundara Swamigal of Kumara mutt in the
year 1980.
Holy Water
The
holy water points located in this temple are
·
Kasi Gangai Theertham
·
Theppakulam
·
Nagakakannigai Theertham
·
Thirunallaru
·
Thamaraikulam
·
Iravathathurai
Holy Tree
The
temple history reveals that the holy tree of this temple was a mango tree. Now
the Amman deity is located under a Padhiri tree. This temple is also called as Vilvavanam
as the premises was once surrounded by a large number of Vilvam trees
Halls
The
30 pillar hall located in front of the Theepasthumbam was constructed by king
Udayar of Mysore, in the year 1756.
As
we enter through the seven stage tower we can see the Navavanga hall. The
deities present in this hall are Orthuvathandava Moorthy, Alankattu Kaliyammai,
Veerabadhirar and those of who built this particular hall. This hall was raised
by the efforts of Kavayapalayam China Kaliyappa Gounder and Periya Kaliyappa
Gounder.
Thirukalyana
hall (wedding hall) is located adjacent to the main shrine. The celestial
wedding of the lord will be celebrated in this hall during the month of
Chithrai. The newly built Vasantha hall can be found opposite to the wedding
hall.
Artistic Features
Avinashi
temple is a repository of fine carved architecture throughout its structure.
The intricate carvings depicting various events in Hindu mythology can be seen,
here. The original `Rajagopuram', was replaced by the present structure when it
being came dilapidated. In the front of the temple is seen the flag-staff (Dhwajasthambha),
which contains carvings depicting the legend of saint Sundaramurthi Nayanar,
retrieving the boy from the mouth of a crocodile.
This
temple also has the unique feature of having an individual shrine for Saint Sundaramurthi
Nayanar, who was an ardent disciple of Lord Shiva.
The
Pandiya King, Sundara Pandiyan (1285-1300), constructed this temple, which was
later expanded by other monarchs, belonging to different dynasties.
The
first idol that one worships on entering the temple through the Rajagopuram is
the Selva Vinayagar. On the ceiling above is carved the `Uchi pillayar'
Anointment of this deity is believed to bring rains even during drought
conditions.
Inside
the gopuram (tower) on the left side you can see the idols of saints Sundarar
and Manickavasakar. Carvings of other celestial forms like that of the dwarf
like` Bhoothaganas' and others can also be seen here.
The
front portal is called the `Navagraha Mandapam' which houses the magnificent
sculptures of Gods and Goddesses like the `Alangattu Kali' and Urdhava Thandava
Murthy. Each of these idols is 6' in height. These two idols depict one of the
most dramatic episodes of Hindu Mythology.
According
to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva entered into a dancing combat with Goddess Shakthi.
A fierce competition took place and the Lord finally triumphed, when he lifted
his leg high above his shoulder. This was a stance that Shakthi could not
perform due to modesty and was defeated. Hence, these idols that depict this
celestial performance show the 16 handed Urdhavamurthy, with a triumphant look
on his face, with sparkling eyes.
Whereas,
Alangattu Kali, the incarnation of Shakthi, has eyes downcast due to defeat.
But, mixed emotions of both fury and humiliation have been brought out in the
face of this idol which is considered a masterpiece of sculptor and an
excellent example for ancient sculptures.
Deities
Lingeswarar:
The
Lord Avinashi Lingeswarar is the chief deity of this temple. It is believed to
be a replica of the Kashi (Banaras) Lingeswarar. Hence Avinashi has come to be
known as the ‘Kashi of Kongunadu’.
Karunambikai Amman:
The
deity of Karunambikai Amman seated to the right of the Lingeswarar is one of
the distinctive traits of this temple. The sanctum sanctorum of Karunambikai
Amman, located to the south of the temple is very rare and unique in the
temples of Tamilnadu.
Kalabairavar:
The
specialty of the Kalabairavar shrine located in this temple is artistically
designed and it has Sahasranaamams like Vishnu Sahasranaamams and lalitha Sahasranaamam.
The other deities of this temple are Vinayakar, Durgai, Gajalakshmi,
‘Arupathu Moovar’ denoting the sixty three Nayanars, Nadaraajar, ‘Navagrahangal’
denoting the nine planets, ‘Panjabootha thirumeniyar’ representing the 5
elements earth, water, fire, air and akash (sky) and of course the deity of Sundaramurthi
Nayanar.
Others Deities
Other
deities in this temple as follows;
·
Vinayagar
·
Thandayuthapani
·
Arupathu Moovar (63 Nayanar)
·
Panja Bhootha Thirumeniyar (Five Elements)
·
Gaja Lakshmi
·
Durgai
·
Chandhikeshwar
·
Sundara Moorthy Nayanar
·
Nadaraajar
·
Navagraham
Pooja Timings
Temple opening Time
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5:00 am
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Usha Kalam Pooja
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5.30 – 6.00 am
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Kaala Sandhi Pooja
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8.00 – 8.30 am
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Uchi kala Pooja
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12.00 – 12.30 pm
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Saya rakshai Pooja
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5.30 – 6.00 pm
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Artha Saman Pooja
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7.30 – 8.00 pm
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Temple Closing Time
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8:00 pm
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Festivals
Car Festival:
This
is the most important festival in the temple’s itinerary. The car festival celebrated
during the ‘Brahmotsavam’ of Chithirai Maasam. The relevant English months are
April-May. The temple car here is the second biggest in the whole of south
India. In the past the temple car was pulled by devotees. The temple cars were
damaged by fire. They were later newly built. Nowadays bulldozers are employed
to move the car.
Arubathi Moovar Ula:
Apart
from the car festival, another important occasion, which is celebrated with a
lot of pomp, is the ‘Arubathimoovar ula’. It is about the 63 ardent devotees of
Lord Shiva as depicted in Periyapuranam.
Annadhanam
Daily
noon meals provided for around 100 people per day under the Tamilnadu Chief
Minister's free noon meals Scheme.
Devotees
may sponsor for the free noon meal Scheme. This amount will be invested in a
fixed deposit and the interest earned will be utilized to feed 100 people on a
desired day, year after year.
All
donations for the scheme are exempted from income tax under the IT act 80(G).
Contact
Executive Officer
Arulmigu
Avinashi Lingeswarar Temple
Avinashi
- 641 654
Tirupur
District.
Phone Number:
04296 - 273113
Connectivity
Avinashi
can be reached by road, rail and air.
By Bus:
Avinashi
is 10 km from Tirupur on the Coimbatore road. The temple is on the main road.
Frequent Bus facilities are available from Coimbatore, Thiruppur and Erode.
By Train:
Nearest Railway Station is Thiruppur (10 Kms from Avinashi)
By Air:
Nearest Airport is Coimbatore (40 kms from Avinashi).