Karpaga Vinayakar, Pillaiyarpatti, Sivaganga

Basic information about the temple

Moolavar:	Karpaga Vinayakar	Ambal / Thayar:	–
Deity:	Vinayakar	Historical name:
Vriksham:		Teertham:
Agamam:		Age (years):
Timing:	6 to 12 & 4 to 8	Parikaram:
Temple group:		–
Sung by:		Temple set: Nagarathar 9 temples
Navagraham:		Nakshatram:
City / town:	Pillaiyarpatti	District:	Sivaganga
Maps from (click):	Current location	Karaikudi (16 km)	Pudukkottai (39 km)
	Madurai (81 km)	Sivaganga (85 km)

Location

Pillaiyarpatti is located in Sivaganga district, about 22km from Karaikudi

Sthala puranam and temple information

The ancient rock cut temple of Vinayakar estimated to be nearly 1600 years old, and is very popular, with scores of devotees visiting the temple each year. At this temple, he is known to be benevolent and is hence called Karpaga Vinayakar as he fulfills all the needs of his devotees.

The temple is said to have been built during the so-called “dark ages” when the Kalabhras were in power, and so not much is known about the history of this temple, except that the stapathi for the temple was named Ekkatukkoon Perunthachan. Subsequently, the temple was renovated by the Pandyas.

This is one of the nine temples in or around Karaikudi, which have been maintained by the Nagarathar community – together, these 9 temples are considered as one group / circuit of temples.

Six feet tall rock cut Karpaga Vinayakar appears here with only two hands in a sitting posture without his stomach touching the ground. His trunk is turned towards his right hand and so he is a Valanchuzhi Vinayakar. He does not have the ankusam in his hands.

Though the presiding deity of this sthalam is Siva in the form of Thayumanavar, Pillaiyar is more prominent here. This temple also has three deities of Thiruveesar, Marundeesar and Senchadeswarar along with Sivakami Amman, Vadamalar Mangaiamman and Soundranayaga Amman.

This is one of the few Vinayakar temples where chariot festival is undertaken every year. In fact, there are two festivals – one each for Vinayakar and Chandikeswarar. Vinayakar’s chariot is pulled by gents on one rope and ladies on the other. The chariot of Chandikeswarar is pulled only by ladies and children.

A huge kozhukattai made from 18 measures of rice is given to the lord as prasadam on Pillaiyar Chathurthi day.

This temple also has a Kathiayani Amman shrine which is visited by scores of devotees, as she is also believed to take care of all devotees needs.