Thalayatti Vinayakar Temple, Attur, Salem

Thalayatti Vinayakar Temple, Attur, Salem

Thalayatti Vinayakar Temple is located in the heart of the Attur town in Salem District of Tamilnadu. There were many rivers flowing in this region in the past, hence the name Attrur – place of rivers.  This changed as Attur in later days. Lord Shiva graces nearby as Kaya Nirmaleswarar in another temple.

Legends

Sage Vasishta performed penance in many places on the banks of River Vasishta. He used to install a Linga for his Shiva worship at every place and earned his grace. While praying here, the sage wished to have the Jyoti darshan as in Thiruvannamalai. Lord appeared in the form of a Jyoti in the Linga the sage installed and granted his desired darshan.

The Linga got buried in sands in the days that followed.  After several years a chieftain Getti Mudali by name became the ruler of this region. Lord appeared in his dream and said that he was hidden under the sands and directed him to build a temple. The chieftain found the Linga and also a treasure. He used the treasure to build the temple. 

Before commencing the construction of the temple, the chieftain sought the approval of Lord Vinayaka. Lord himself was the supervisor of the construction. After completion, the chieftain asked Lord Vinayaka whether he had done the job well. Lord Vinayaka shook his head in approval. Thus, Lord Vinayaka came to be praised as Thalayatti Vinayaka – Vinayaka shaking head right and left.

The Temple

Lord Vinayaka appears with his head siding on the left as if shaking right and left – Thalayatti in Tamil.

Temple Opening Time

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Festivals

Vinayaka Chathurthi in August-September is grandly celebrated in the temple.

Prayers

Those facing adverse aspects of planets, problems in wedding proposals and children affairs pray to Lord Vinayaka. Devotees perform special pujas to Lord offering vastras.

Contact

Sri Thalayatti Vinayakar Temple,

Attur-636 102, Salem district

Phone: +914282 320 607

Connectivity

This temple is located very close to Attur bus stand. Attur lies on NH 79. Attur is well connected with other cities & towns. It is located on NH-68. Three State highways originate from Attur; SH – 30 Attur – Thuraiyur – Musiri, SH – 79 Attur – Rasipuram – Erode, SH – 157 Attur – Perambalur.

Attur is well connected with Salem on the east (north-east) at 45 kilometres on the Salem – Ulundurpet via Kallakurichi NH 68 which in turn connects to Chennai through arterial NH 45 at Ulundurpet and NH 47 (Salem – Kanyakumari via Coimbatore, Cochin, Trivandrum)at Salem with a number of bus routes.

Attur town have two bus stands. Attur is well connected by bus services to Salem, Coimbatore, Chennai, Trichy, Erode, and Pondy. Train services are also available between Attur to Salem, Attur to Virudhachalam and Salem – Chennai Egmore express train runs via Attur. Pondicherry – Bangalore AC express train is expected to run shortly and runs via Attur.

Newly proposed route to Ariyalur via Perambalur will turn Attur railway station to Attur Junction. Land acquisition has been done and stopped due to insufficient funds. There are direct buses to Coimbatore via Avinashi.

Attur is landlocked and depends on the Port of Chennai for most oceangoing freight. Nearest airport is Trichy which is 120 km away from the town. Chennai airport is 264 km from Attur.