Karpaka Vinayakar Temple, Pillayarpatti
Also known as: பிள்ளையார்பட்டி கற்பக விநாயகர் கோயில் · పిళ్ళైయార్పట్టి కర్పక వినాయకర్ ఆలయం · पिल्लैयारपट्टी कर्पक विनायक मंदिर
Tamil Nadu Ganesha
An old rock-cut Ganesha temple of the 7th century, looked after by the Nattukottai Nagarathars.
- Deity
- Karpaka Vinayakar (Ganesha)
- Tradition
- Ganesha
- Place
- Pillayarpatti, Sivaganga
- State
- Tamil Nadu
- Sacred tank / theertham
- A large temple tank to the north and a well inside the mandapam (no name given in the source).
- Era
- The rock-cut cave is dated to the 7th century (about 650 CE) and linked to Narasimhavarman.
Sthala Puranam
The source gives no myth for the temple. It records a Nagarathar tradition that they have worshipped here since the Kali year 3813 (714 CE).
Speciality
- The Ganesha is carved in rock. He has two hands and holds sweets in the right hand. The trunk curls to the right.
- Locals call him Valampuri Vinayagar. A 7th-century inscription calls him 'Desi Vinayagar'.
- The cave also has a Shiva linga and an unusual standing relief that scholars read as Ardhanarishwara, Harihara or a king with attendants.
- Looked after by the Nattukottai Nagarathars.
Festivals
- Vinayaka Chaturthi: 10 days, with a chariot on day 9
- Brahmotsavam in Vaikasi
How to reach
By airMadurai Airport, about 80–90 km.
By trainKaraikudi Junction, about 12–15 km.
By roadOn the Karaikudi–Thiruppattur road, in the Chettinad area. Buses from Karaikudi and Madurai.
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Vinayaka Chaturthi is extremely crowded. Plan ahead.
Prayers for this temple
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.