Arulmigu Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, Pillayarpatti

Pillayarpatti Pillayar Temple History

Main Deity: Karpaga Vinayagar
Sthala Vriksham: Marutham Tree
Village: Pillayarpatti
District: Sivagangai

Etymology of Pillayarpatti

Pillayarpatti is located in the Sivagangai district of Tamil Nadu. It is situated on the road from Karaikudi to Tiruppattur, just past Kundrakudi. Although “Pillayarpatti” is the name by which the world knows this town today, it has historically held five other names:

1. Erugattur or Ekkattur
2. Maruthangudi
3. Thiruvingaikudi
4. Thiruvingaiswaram
5. Rajanarayanapuram

Names such as Maruthangoor, Thenmaruthur, Ganesapuram, Ganesamanagaram, and Pillai Nagar are found in later poetic works.

Temple Structure and Architecture

This is a large temple featuring two majestic Rajagopurams. It is understood that the temple has undergone four major renovations throughout history.

The very first construction is the cave temple (Kudaivarai Kovil) carved into the southern side of a hill that stretches from east to west. As you enter this cave temple, you first encounter an east-west corridor. This is followed by a double-pillared hall running north-south.

Karpaga Vinayagar: On the eastern side of this hall, facing north from the hill’s face, stands the 6-foot-tall, majestic Karpaga Vinayagar. This deity is the primary moolavar of Pillayarpatti, known as Desi Vinayaka Pillaiyar.

Shankara Narayana: To the west of the main deity, on the same hill face, is Shankara Narayana facing south. He is flanked by Urnattu Chandeesan and Garuda in standing postures.

Thiruvisar (Mahalingam): Further west, there is an east-facing niche containing a large, beautifully carved Mahalingam. This deity is known as Thiruvisar or Thiruvingaikudi Mahadevar.

Lingothbavar: Slightly further north and looking south, one can see the north-facing Lingothbavar. This original cave structure represents the first phase of the temple’s history.

Historical Inscriptions

The inscriptions within the cave temple tell us a fascinating story:

Initially, the Nagarathar community of Pillayarpatti purchased the Maruthangudi fields from the local villagers. Later, they acquired the rights from the neighboring Athannayur Nadu and Keezhkundaatru Nadu. Finally, they received full ownership rights from King Konerinmai Kondan (Parakesi Kulothunga Chola III), who ruled the Pandya region at that time. The royal decree (Thirumugam) granted to the Nagarathars clearly states their permission to establish a city named Rajanarayanapuram in Maruthangudi and live there.

This temple is 1,600 years old and was created during the Mahendra Pallava era. It is currently managed by the Nagarathar community. Ganesha is the Lord of Wisdom, and it is said that his very face represents the Pranava Mantra, “Om.”

Unique Features of the Idol

The Ganesha idol here is unique for several reasons:

1. The trunk is curled to the right (Valampuri).
2. Unlike other places where He has four arms, here He has only two arms.
3. He is depicted without the usual Angusam (goad) or Pasam (noose).
4. He sits with his legs folded in a specific posture where his belly does not touch the seat.
5. The right tusk is long, while the left tusk is short.
6. He holds a Modakam (sweet) in His right hand.

The Chariot Festival (Therthiruvizha)

Pillayarpatti is one of the few places where a chariot festival is held for Ganesha. Two chariots are drawn, one for Ganesha and one for Chandikeswarar.

• In the Ganesha chariot, one rope is pulled by women and the other by men.
• The Chandikeswarar chariot is pulled exclusively by women and children.
• On the 9th day, devotees perform Angapradakshinam (rolling on the floor) as a form of prayer. During this time, the main deity is covered with 80 kg of sandalwood paste (Santhana Kaapu). This decoration happens only once a year, drawing massive crowds.

The Giant Kolukkattai (Giant Dumpling)

Every year on Ganesh Chaturthi, a massive Kolukkattai made of “Mukkuruni” rice is offered to the Lord during the midday (Uchikala) puja.

• Ingredients: 18 units (padi) of rice flour, 2 units of sesame, 6 units of chickpeas, 50 coconuts, 1 unit of pure ghee, 100g of cardamom, and 40kg of jaggery.
• Preparation: The mixture is tied in a large cloth, placed in a basket in the temple kitchen (Madapalli), and hung inside a massive vessel of water. It is steamed continuously for two days.
• It is then carried by several people using poles (like a Kavadi) and offered to the Lord. The next day, once it has cooled, it is distributed to the Nagarathars, villagers, and workers.

Pillayarpatti Temple Festivals

• Every Chaturthi: The Lord is taken in a procession on a Silver Mooshika (rat) vehicle within the temple corridors.
• Thirukarthigai: Ganesha and Lord Chandrasekharar (Shiva with Uma) go on a street procession. A “Sokkapanai” (sacred bonfire) is lit.
• Margazhi Thiruvadhirai: Procession of Lord Nataraja with Shivakami Sundari.
• Vinayagar Chaturthi: This is the grandest festival, lasting 10 days in the Tamil month of Avani. Flag hoisting occurs 9 days prior. The 10th day features the Theerthavari (holy dip) in the morning, the giant Kolukkattai offering at noon, and a grand night procession of the five deities on gold and silver vehicles.
• Worship Benefits: Devotees pray here for the removal of marriage obstacles, for children, and for excellence in education. Vows are fulfilled by performing Abhishekam (holy bath) or offering new clothes to the Lord.

Pillayarpatti Temple Timings

The Arulmigu Karpaga Vinayagar Temple is open from 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM.

Contact Numbers: +91-93844 46285, +91-93844 46284

Pillayarpatti Temple Address

Arulmigu Vinayagar Temple,
Pillayarpatti – 630207,
Thiruppathur Taluk,
Sivagangai District.

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Dineshgandhi

I'm Dinesh, founder of Aanmeegam.org. I started my blogging journey in 2018 on Blogger and moved to WordPress in 2020. I hold an MCA from ACCET, Karaikudi, and have over 10 years of experience as an SEO professional and spiritual blogger.

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