Have you ever wondered what it would be like to witness the glory of an ancient civilization that flourished thousands of years ago? If yes, then you should visit the Perur Pateeswarar Temple, one of the oldest and most revered temples in Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Patteeswarar, the lord of the sacred cows.
The temple is located on the banks of the Noyyal river, about 7 km from Coimbatore, the second-largest city in the state. The temple is a marvel of Dravidian architecture and culture, with exquisite carvings, sculptures, and paintings that depict the legends and stories of Hindu mythology. The temple is also a hub of religious and cultural activities, with various festivals and rituals celebrated throughout the year.
Whether you are a devotee, a history buff, or a culture enthusiast, you will find something to admire and enjoy at the Perur Pateeswarar Temple. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this magnificent temple, from its history and legend to its architecture and features. We will also give you some tips and recommendations on how to reach and visit the temple, as well as the nearby places and attractions that you can explore. So, read on and get ready to embark on a journey to the past with Tripoto.
History and Legend of the Temple
The Perur Pateeswarar Temple is one of the seven Kongu Sivalayams, the seven ancient Shiva temples in the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu. The temple is believed to be more than 2000 years old, as it is mentioned in the ancient Tamil literature of the Sangam period. The temple was built by the Cholas, one of the most powerful dynasties in South India, and later renovated and expanded by the Pandyas, the Hoysalas, the Vijayanagaras, and the Madurai Nayaks. The temple has witnessed many historical events and changes, and has been patronized by many kings, saints, and poets.
The temple has a fascinating legend behind its origin and name. According to the legend, once a cowherd noticed that one of his cows was not giving any milk. He followed the cow and saw that it was shedding its milk on a Swayambhu Lingam, a self-manifested form of Lord Shiva, under a Punnai tree. The cowherd tried to stop the cow, but the Lingam got wounded and started bleeding. The cowherd was terrified and ran away to the king, who came to the spot with his army. The king tried to remove the Lingam, but it started bleeding more. The king was also scared and prayed to Lord Shiva for forgiveness. Then, Lord Shiva appeared before the king and the cowherd, and healed their wounds. He also blessed them and said that he would be known as Patteeswarar, the lord of the sacred cows, and the place would be called Perur, meaning the place of the cow.
Another legend says that the temple was visited by the sage Pathanjali, who is considered the father of yoga. The sage came to the temple to worship Lord Shiva and attain liberation. He performed penance under the Punnai tree, where the Swayambhu Lingam was located. Lord Shiva was pleased with his devotion and granted him mukti, the ultimate salvation. Hence, the temple is also known as the Mukti Sthala, the place of liberation.
Festivals and Rituals of the Temple
The Perur Pateeswarar Temple is a hub of religious and cultural activities throughout the year. The temple follows the traditional Agama Shastra rituals and practices, which involve several daily and annual rituals. Some of the major festivals celebrated at the temple include:
Maha Shivaratri:
This is the most important festival of the temple, as it marks the day when Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. The festival is celebrated in the month of February or March, with great devotion and enthusiasm. The devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and perform abhishekams (ritual bathing) to the Lingam. The highlight of the festival is the night-long vigil, when the devotees chant the names and praises of Lord Shiva, and witness the four kala poojas (worship at four different times of the night). The temple is decorated with lights, flowers, and flags, and the atmosphere is filled with music, dance, and joy.
Panguni Uthiram:
This is another significant festival of the temple, as it commemorates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival is celebrated in the month of March or April, on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Panguni. The festival is also known as the float festival, as the idols of the deities are taken in a procession on a decorated float in the temple pond. The devotees participate in the procession, and offer their prayers and offerings to the divine couple. The festival is also a special occasion for the devotees to seek blessings for their marital life and happiness.
Brahmotsavam:
This is a grand festival that lasts for ten days, and showcases the various aspects and forms of Lord Shiva. The festival is celebrated in the month of March or April, along with the Panguni Uthiram festival. The festival involves various rituals, such as the flag hoisting, the anointing of the Lingam, the offering of the sacred fire, and the distribution of the holy water. The festival also features various cultural and artistic events, such as the music and dance performances, the drama and poetry recitals, and the exhibitions and competitions.
How to Reach the Temple
The Perur Pateeswarar Temple is located about 7 km from Coimbatore, the second-largest city in Tamil Nadu. You can easily reach the temple by various modes of transport, such as:
By Air:
The nearest airport to the temple is the Coimbatore International Airport, which is about 19 km away. You can take a flight to Coimbatore from major cities in India and abroad, and then hire a taxi or a cab to the temple.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to the temple is the Coimbatore Junction Railway Station, which is about 10 km away. You can take a train to Coimbatore from various parts of the country, and then take a taxi, a cab, or a bus to the temple.
By Road:
The temple is well-connected by road to Coimbatore and other nearby towns and cities. You can take a bus, a car, or a bike to the temple from Coimbatore Bus Station, which is about 9 km away. You can also take a rickshaw or an auto-rickshaw to the temple from nearby places.
The temple is open on all days of the week, from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The entry to the temple is free of charge, but you may have to pay a nominal fee for some special services or offerings.
The best time to visit the temple is during the morning or evening hours, when the temple is less crowded and more serene. You can also visit the temple during the festivals and rituals, when the temple is decorated and lively. However, you may have to face long queues and crowds during these times.
Nearby Places and Attractions
The temple is not only a religious and cultural destination, but also a gateway to explore the other wonders of Coimbatore and its surroundings. Some of the places that you can visit near the temple are:
Karaimadai Ranganathar Temple:
This is another ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Ranganathar, the lord of the cosmic serpent. The temple is located about 1.4 km from the Perur Pateeswarar Temple, and is known for its beautiful sculptures and paintings. The temple also has a sacred tank, where devotees take a dip and offer prayers. The temple is especially famous for its annual car festival, when the idols of the deities are taken around the town on a grand chariot.
Eachanari Vinayagar Temple:
This is a popular temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped here as Vinayagar, the remover of obstacles. The temple is located about 9 km from the Perur Pateeswarar Temple, and is one of the oldest Ganesha temples in the region. The temple has a huge idol of Lord Ganesha, which is about 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every day, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which are considered auspicious for Lord Ganesha. The temple also celebrates various festivals and rituals, such as the Ganesh Chaturthi, the Sankatahara Chaturthi, and the Vinayagar Sashti.
Marudamalai Temple:
This is a scenic temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is worshipped here as Marudamalai Andavar, the lord of the hills. The temple is located about 10.4 km from the Perur Pateeswarar Temple, on a hilltop that offers a panoramic view of the city and the mountains.
The temple is believed to have healing powers, as the hill is rich in medicinal herbs and plants. The temple is also a popular trekking destination, as it has several steps and pathways that lead to the top. The temple is famous for its festivals and events, such as the Thai Poosam, the Panguni Uthiram, and the Kanda Sashti.
The Perur Pateeswarar Temple is a marvel of Dravidian architecture and culture, that showcases the ancient and glorious heritage of Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Patteeswarar, the lord of the sacred cows. The temple has a rich and fascinating history and legend, that dates back to more than 2000 years. The temple has a stunning and intricate architecture and features, that display the artistic and spiritual excellence of the temple builders and devotees. The temple is also a centre of religious and cultural activities, that celebrate the various festivals and rituals of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati.
The temple is not only a religious and cultural destination, but also a gateway to explore the other wonders of Coimbatore and its surroundings. Whether you are a devotee, a history buff, or a culture enthusiast, you will find something to admire and enjoy at the Perur Pateeswarar Temple.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to this magnificent temple with Tripoto, and experience the spirituality and culture of this ancient temple.
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