Karur Aanilaiyappar
Temple of Thevaram Hymns - 6
Karur Aanilaiyappar
Among the seven foremost Shiva shrines of the Kongu region, let us visit and receive the divine blessings of the Karur Sri Alankara Valli and Soundara Nayaki Sametha Kalyana Pasupatheeswarar Temple. Come, let us seek His grace.
Speciality of Karur
The special features of Karuvur, which is now known as Karur, are immense.
Karur was known by many ancient names such as Aadhipuram, Vanji Maanagar, Bhaskarapuram, Veerasozhapuram, Vanchularanyam, Shanmangala Kshetram, Karppapuri, Kaapuri, Karuvai Pathi, Mudi Valangu Sozhapuram, and Aadimapuram.
It was called Vanji Maanagar because it served as the capital of the Chola kings;
Aadhipuram because it is believed to be one of the earliest places created in the world;
Bhaskarapuram because Lord Vishnu stayed here;
Veerasozhapuram during the time when it was conquered by the Cholas;
And Vanchularanyam because the place was filled with Vanji trees.
Thus, the town of Karur has earned many names based on its history and significance.
It is also called Shanmangala Kshetram because it contains six auspicious elements — hill, forest, river, sacred water (theertham), city and temple.
Since the first embryo (seed of creation) in Brahma’s creation was formed here, it is known as Karppapuri.
As the divine cow Kamadhenu worshipped here, it is praised as Aanilai.
In every aeon, Lord Pasupathinathar manifests here, guides the three divine energies, absorbs everything into Himself and again brings them forth — for that reason, the place is called Kaapuri.
Karur was known by many ancient names such as Aadhipuram, Vanji Maanagar, Bhaskarapuram, Veerasozhapuram, Vanchularanyam, Shanmangala Kshetram, Karppapuri, Kaapuri, Karuvai Pathi, Mudi Valangu Sozhapuram, and Aadimapuram.
It was called Vanji Maanagar because it served as the capital of the Chola kings;
Aadhipuram because it is believed to be one of the earliest places created in the world;
Bhaskarapuram because Lord Vishnu stayed here;
Veerasozhapuram during the time when it was conquered by the Cholas;
And Vanchularanyam because the place was filled with Vanji trees.
Thus, the town of Karur has earned many names based on its history and significance.
It is also called Shanmangala Kshetram because it contains six auspicious elements — hill, forest, river, sacred water (theertham), city and temple.
Since the first embryo (seed of creation) in Brahma’s creation was formed here, it is known as Karppapuri.
As the divine cow Kamadhenu worshipped here, it is praised as Aanilai.
In every aeon, Lord Pasupathinathar manifests here, guides the three divine energies, absorbs everything into Himself and again brings them forth — for that reason, the place is called Kaapuri.
Karur Aanilaiyappar Temple
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| Aanilaiyappar temple |
Although the name of the town is Karur, the temple is called Aanilaiyappar Temple. The full name of the shrine is Karur Aanilaiyappar Temple. It is also reverently worshipped as the Kalyana Pasupatheeswarar Temple. The word “Aa (ஆ)” in Tamil can also mean Atma (soul) and in that sense the temple is considered as the place where souls attain their true state.
The Lord and the Goddess
The Lord’s sacred names are Aanilaiyappar and Pasupatheeswarar.
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| Kalyana Pasupatheeswarar |
The Goddess is worshipped in two forms — Krupanayaki, also known as Alankara Valli and Vadivudaiyal, also known as Soundara Nayaki.
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| Soundhara Nayaki |
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| Alankaravalli |
Those who worshipped
Navagrahas (nine planets), the eight Dikpalakas (guardian deities of the directions), Sukra (Venus), Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth), Parvati (Goddess of the mountains), Brahma, Kamadhenu (the divine cow), Surya (Sun God), Sage Agastya, Karuvuraar, Sage Vyasa, Gopitharan, Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar, Sekkizhar, Pugal Chozha Nayanar, Eripatha Nayanar, Arunagirinathar, King Musukunda Chakravarti and Thirumuruga Kirupananda Variyar among others.
The Sacred tree
The three sacred trees of this temple are Mullai (jasmine), Vanji (Ashoka tree) and Vilva tree.
Under the Vilva tree located in the north-west corner of the temple, the Nagas (serpent deities) have been installed. Worshipping them here is considered very special.
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| Raghu Kethu and the Nagas |
Theerthams (Sacred waters)
The sacred waters of this place include the Ambaravathi (Amaravathi River), Brahma Theertham, Thadagai Theertham, Asura Theertham, Thenu Theertham, and Muruga Theertham.
Since the river was formed by the grace of the Goddess, it came to be known as Amba River.
Many sages performed penance here in the form of large trees and because the river flows gently under their shade, it was also called Ambirama River.
Before Kamadhenu reached Karur, she worshipped various holy places along both the banks of the river — and thus it earned the name Aanporunai.
Over the time, Ambiravati transformed into the present name Amaravathi.
Since the river was formed by the grace of the Goddess, it came to be known as Amba River.
Many sages performed penance here in the form of large trees and because the river flows gently under their shade, it was also called Ambirama River.
Before Kamadhenu reached Karur, she worshipped various holy places along both the banks of the river — and thus it earned the name Aanporunai.
Over the time, Ambiravati transformed into the present name Amaravathi.
Historic legends
There are many historic legends associated with the Aanilaiyappar Temple.
At one time, Brahma — the creator — became very proud and arrogant about his act of creation. Lord Shiva, who knows all three times (past, present and future), decided to teach Brahma a proper lesson and remove his pride and ignorance. It became one of His Thiruvilayadals (divine plays).
At one time, Brahma — the creator — became very proud and arrogant about his act of creation. Lord Shiva, who knows all three times (past, present and future), decided to teach Brahma a proper lesson and remove his pride and ignorance. It became one of His Thiruvilayadals (divine plays).
During the same period, Kamadhenu, the divine wish-fulfilling cow, came down to the earth according to the guidance of Sage Narada. She began doing penance in this place which, at that time, was a forest of Vanji trees. Every day, just as Narada had instructed her, Kamadhenu used to pour milk over a self-manifested Shiva Lingam (Adhi Lingam) located at the base of an anthill in that forest.
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| Kamadhenu pouring milk on Shiva linga |
One day, while pouring milk, the hoof of Kamadhenu accidentally touched the head of the Linga. Blood started flowing from the Linga. Shocked and heart-broken, Kamadhenu fell into deep sorrow and continued her penance in that state of grief. Seeing her, Lord Shiva felt that this was the right moment to appear before her. He blessed her and, as a punishment to Brahma and a reward to Kamadhenu, He transferred the act of creation from Brahma and gave it to Kamadhenu.
A frightened Brahma immediately realised his mistake and surrendered at the feet of the Lord, asking forgiveness. Lord Shiva, moved with compassion, said:
“O Brahma Deva! In this holy place you must perform a great yagna (sacrificial offering). At the end of it, marry Saraswati and resume your work of creation here itself.”
Brahma then created Brahma Theertham on the northern bank of the Amaravathi River and performed worship there. Later, on Vennai Malai (Butter Hill), he built a great yagna hall and conducted a grand yagna.
To this yagna came many great sages like Athri, Agastya, Bharadwaja, Vyasa, Suka, Kashyapa, Koushika, Vasishta, Bhrigu, Durvasa, Vamadeva, Dadeechi, Kannuva, Samadheerkia, Shabali, Sandilya, Uromapada, Upamanyu, Sangana, Parashara, Gautama, Sudheekshana, Mrikandu, Markandeya, Vipaandaka, Vishwavasu, Mareechi, Vamathri, Goundinya, Valkilya, Attakin, Thekkanar, Pulastya, Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanathkumara, Narada, Kamalamadhava, Dattatreya, and many others, along with heavenly beings, attendants and priests.
Brahma completed the yagna successfully, married Saraswati with their blessings, and at that moment Lord Shiva appeared with Goddess Parvati, returned the act of creation back to Brahma, and blessed Kamadhenu to return to heaven and live happily. Because Brahma restarted the work of creation from this very place, the town came to be known as “Karur” (meaning, the place where the seed/embryo was formed).
Even today, on the main Shiva Lingam in the sanctum of the Aanilaiyappar / Pasupatheeswarar Temple, one can see a slight hollow on the head of the Linga which is said to be the spot touched by Kamadhenu’s hoof and the surface above it still feels rough.
A frightened Brahma immediately realised his mistake and surrendered at the feet of the Lord, asking forgiveness. Lord Shiva, moved with compassion, said:
“O Brahma Deva! In this holy place you must perform a great yagna (sacrificial offering). At the end of it, marry Saraswati and resume your work of creation here itself.”
Brahma then created Brahma Theertham on the northern bank of the Amaravathi River and performed worship there. Later, on Vennai Malai (Butter Hill), he built a great yagna hall and conducted a grand yagna.
To this yagna came many great sages like Athri, Agastya, Bharadwaja, Vyasa, Suka, Kashyapa, Koushika, Vasishta, Bhrigu, Durvasa, Vamadeva, Dadeechi, Kannuva, Samadheerkia, Shabali, Sandilya, Uromapada, Upamanyu, Sangana, Parashara, Gautama, Sudheekshana, Mrikandu, Markandeya, Vipaandaka, Vishwavasu, Mareechi, Vamathri, Goundinya, Valkilya, Attakin, Thekkanar, Pulastya, Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanathkumara, Narada, Kamalamadhava, Dattatreya, and many others, along with heavenly beings, attendants and priests.
Brahma completed the yagna successfully, married Saraswati with their blessings, and at that moment Lord Shiva appeared with Goddess Parvati, returned the act of creation back to Brahma, and blessed Kamadhenu to return to heaven and live happily. Because Brahma restarted the work of creation from this very place, the town came to be known as “Karur” (meaning, the place where the seed/embryo was formed).
Even today, on the main Shiva Lingam in the sanctum of the Aanilaiyappar / Pasupatheeswarar Temple, one can see a slight hollow on the head of the Linga which is said to be the spot touched by Kamadhenu’s hoof and the surface above it still feels rough.
Soundharanayaki/Vadivudainayaki
One of the Goddesses of this temple is Soundaranayaki. According to the Puranas, she was born as a human and, through her intense penance, married Lord Shiva. The entire event is filled with devotion and grace.
Near Karur, on the banks of the Amaravathi river, lies a small village called Appipalayam. In this village, a beautiful girl named Vadivudaiyal was born to parents of the Vettuvar clan. From her infancy, she uttered only the words “Shiva… Shiva”. She grew up very differently from other children — full of devotion, love, wisdom and divine behaviour.
As she grew, her dedication to Lord Shiva only deepened. At her request, her father carved a small sandalwood Shiva Lingam and gave it to her. Every day she performed worship to that Lingam. She always appeared covered with sacred ash, chanted the Panchakshara mantra continuously and refused to eat meat. Her parents and relatives were astonished and they did not know what to do.
When she came of age, her parents began searching for a groom. But Vadivudaiyal firmly declared: “I will marry only Lord Shiva.” Shocked, the worried parents brought sorcerers and physicians to test her but to everyone she simply said, “Even in dream and in wakefulness, I belong to Pasupatheeswarar alone.”
Whenever marriage was discussed, she would advise her parents: “Worship the Lord; He will guide you.”
She said, “When I meditate on Pasupathi, I forget myself. I see a bright light… and within it I see Him smiling at me. In my dreams He tells me what has happened and what is going to happen.”
One day she told her parents that the Lord had appeared in her dream and said:
“On the seventh day of the Panguni Uthiram festival we will marry. As a sign, flowers will be scattered all over Appipalayam.”
That very night, Lord Pasupatheeswarar appeared in the father’s dream and gave the same message. Everyone in the village waited eagerly for that day.
On the seventh day, at dawn, the entire village of Appipalayam was covered with a shower of flowers. At that same moment, as she sat in meditation, a divine flower garland, filled with radiant light, appeared on Vadivudaiyal’s neck. The people recognised her as the divine Mother and placed her on a palanquin. She was taken to the temple of Pasupatheeswarar in Karur and, there, in front of everyone, Vadivudaiyal united with the Lord.
Since that sacred event, even today, during the Panguni festival, the Lord Pasupatheeswarar travels to Appipalayam on the sixth day and on the seventh day He returns to Karur together with Vadivudaiyal. This is celebrated as an important annual festival.
Symbolically, this legend represents Ichchai (desire/devotion) uniting with Jnana (knowledge) and merging with Kriya (divine action) — and this is the essence of Vadivudai Nayaki.
In this temple, Goddess Soundaranayaki has a separate shrine and she blesses devotees facing south.
Karuvurar - The great Siddhar
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| Karuvurar shrine |
Siddhar Karuvuraar was a great saint who was born in Karur. For a long time, he lived in and around Karur as a realised Siddha. When the time of his liberation (mukthi) was approaching, according to the Lord’s divine will, he had to face a great trial.
A group of people complained to the Chola king that Karuvuraar was allowing liquor and meat to be used in the temple where he was serving. The king investigated the matter and declared that Karuvuraar was completely innocent and that there was no fault in him. But the group would not stop their trouble there.
One Thaipoosam day, when Karuvuraar was bathing in the Amaravathi River, the same group came with deadly weapons and tried to kill him. Chasing him with murderous rage, they followed Karuvuraar as he ran straight into the sanctum of the Lord. Before their very eyes, Karuvuraar merged with the Lord Himself.
Because the Lord absorbed Karuvuraar into Himself on His left side, the main Shiva Lingam in the sanctum appears slightly tilted even today.
In the outer prakaram (outer courtyard) of the temple, Siddhar Karuvuraar has a separate shrine where he continues to shower his compassionate blessings on the devotees who seek him.
A group of people complained to the Chola king that Karuvuraar was allowing liquor and meat to be used in the temple where he was serving. The king investigated the matter and declared that Karuvuraar was completely innocent and that there was no fault in him. But the group would not stop their trouble there.
One Thaipoosam day, when Karuvuraar was bathing in the Amaravathi River, the same group came with deadly weapons and tried to kill him. Chasing him with murderous rage, they followed Karuvuraar as he ran straight into the sanctum of the Lord. Before their very eyes, Karuvuraar merged with the Lord Himself.
Because the Lord absorbed Karuvuraar into Himself on His left side, the main Shiva Lingam in the sanctum appears slightly tilted even today.
In the outer prakaram (outer courtyard) of the temple, Siddhar Karuvuraar has a separate shrine where he continues to shower his compassionate blessings on the devotees who seek him.
The divine story of three blessed saints
Pookudalai Nayagargal
('Pookudalai' means 'flower basket')
This temple is associated with two Nayanmars and one devoted Shiva devotee, all of whom are praised with great honour in the Periyapuranam. They are Eripatha Nayanar, Pukal Chozha Nayanar and Sivakami Andar — the beloved servants of Shiva praised by Sekkizhar. The Pookkudalai Nayagars are those blessed devotees whom the Almighty brought together and guided through a divine Thiruvilayadal (sacred play). What happened here is considered a true spiritual miracle.
Eripatha Nayanar was a fierce devotee who lived at the temple of Pasupatheeswarar. He knew nothing other than service to Lord Shiva. He always carried a sharp battle-axe in his hand.
Sivakami Andar was an elderly devotee who collected flowers every day, made garlands and offered them joyfully to the Lord.
Pukal Chozhar was a ruling Chola king, known for worshipping the devotees of Shiva as Shiva Himself.
One day, Sivakami Andar was picking flowers in the temple garden and filling his Pookkudalai (flower basket). As he was walking towards the temple, the royal elephant came marching through the street in full excitement. It frightened everyone scattered on both sides of the road and, in the chaos, the elderly Sivakami Andar was pushed aside and he fell to the ground. His basket of flowers was scattered. Alarmed, he softly murmured “Siva! Siva!… Is there no one to protect this?”
At that very moment, Eripatha Nayanar, who was coming down the temple street, saw this scene. Seeing such cruelty done to an aged Shiva devotee, he became furious. Immediately he rushed forward and killed the royal elephant and its five mahouts with his battle-axe.
News reached the king, Pukal Chozhar, who rushed to the scene in anger. When he arrived, he saw the dead men and the elephant — and standing at some distance was Eripatha Nayanar holding his axe. The moment the king saw him, he thought to himself, “A servant of Shiva would never do wrong. Surely those on my side must have been at fault.”
Eripatha then approached the king and humbly requested, “Since I am the cause of all this, please kill me too.” But seeing the king’s nobility, Eripatha fell at his feet.
Sivakami Andar was an elderly devotee who collected flowers every day, made garlands and offered them joyfully to the Lord.
Pukal Chozhar was a ruling Chola king, known for worshipping the devotees of Shiva as Shiva Himself.
One day, Sivakami Andar was picking flowers in the temple garden and filling his Pookkudalai (flower basket). As he was walking towards the temple, the royal elephant came marching through the street in full excitement. It frightened everyone scattered on both sides of the road and, in the chaos, the elderly Sivakami Andar was pushed aside and he fell to the ground. His basket of flowers was scattered. Alarmed, he softly murmured “Siva! Siva!… Is there no one to protect this?”
At that very moment, Eripatha Nayanar, who was coming down the temple street, saw this scene. Seeing such cruelty done to an aged Shiva devotee, he became furious. Immediately he rushed forward and killed the royal elephant and its five mahouts with his battle-axe.
News reached the king, Pukal Chozhar, who rushed to the scene in anger. When he arrived, he saw the dead men and the elephant — and standing at some distance was Eripatha Nayanar holding his axe. The moment the king saw him, he thought to himself, “A servant of Shiva would never do wrong. Surely those on my side must have been at fault.”
Eripatha then approached the king and humbly requested, “Since I am the cause of all this, please kill me too.” But seeing the king’s nobility, Eripatha fell at his feet.
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| Eripatha Nayanar |
At that moment, a divine voice was heard from the heavens:
“Beloved ones! This is Our sacred play. We are pleased with your great love. Continue your service to Shiva. At the proper time, come to Kailash and stay near Me as members of My divine retinue.”
Flowers rained from the sky as the devas and the sages rejoiced. From that day on, Eripatha and Pukal Chozhar received eternal grace and became known as Eripatha Nayanar and Pukal Chozha Nayanar.
“Beloved ones! This is Our sacred play. We are pleased with your great love. Continue your service to Shiva. At the proper time, come to Kailash and stay near Me as members of My divine retinue.”
Flowers rained from the sky as the devas and the sages rejoiced. From that day on, Eripatha and Pukal Chozhar received eternal grace and became known as Eripatha Nayanar and Pukal Chozha Nayanar.
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| Pukal Chola Nayanar |
According to the will of the Lord, this divine event took place right here in this sacred temple.
Musukunda Chakravarthi
(The king Musukunda)
Once, Lord Shiva was seated with Goddess Uma at the foot of a Vilva tree on Mount Kailash. A monkey, sitting on the tree, playfully plucked Vilva leaves and dropped them on the ground. While this act irritated Goddess Uma, Lord Shiva considered it as an act of archana (devotional offering). Pleased by it, He blessed the monkey.
As a result of that merit, the monkey was reborn as a human king in its next birth — King Musukunda Chakravarti. Since the monkey had attained a certain level of awareness even in that form, it was reborn as a human with the face of a monkey. When Lord Shiva offered the boon of being born as a human king, the monkey asked, “O Lord, please let my face remain as it is so that I will never forget my previous state and Your grace.” Lord Shiva granted that request.
Thus, the monkey was born in Karur and it grew up to become a great king. He received Shiva diksha (initiation) from Lord Vishnu himself and ruled the kingdom after worshipping Karur Aanilaiyappar.
There is an inscription stating that when the wedding of Lord Muruga and Deivayanai took place at Thirupparankundram, an invitation was sent to King Musukunda Chakravarti, who was then ruling Karur.
Ancient records also state that this very temple of Karur Aanilaiyappar was renovated/expanded by Musukunda Chakravarti in the historic period.
As a result of that merit, the monkey was reborn as a human king in its next birth — King Musukunda Chakravarti. Since the monkey had attained a certain level of awareness even in that form, it was reborn as a human with the face of a monkey. When Lord Shiva offered the boon of being born as a human king, the monkey asked, “O Lord, please let my face remain as it is so that I will never forget my previous state and Your grace.” Lord Shiva granted that request.
Thus, the monkey was born in Karur and it grew up to become a great king. He received Shiva diksha (initiation) from Lord Vishnu himself and ruled the kingdom after worshipping Karur Aanilaiyappar.
There is an inscription stating that when the wedding of Lord Muruga and Deivayanai took place at Thirupparankundram, an invitation was sent to King Musukunda Chakravarti, who was then ruling Karur.
Ancient records also state that this very temple of Karur Aanilaiyappar was renovated/expanded by Musukunda Chakravarti in the historic period.
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| Musukunda Chakravarthi |
Temple praised by Mahaguru Agastya
During the time when Ujjayini was ruled by King Gopidharathuvajan, the great Sage Agastya, along with a few other sages, came to visit him. The king welcomed them and treated everyone with great honour. However, owing to fate, he ended up disrespecting Sage Agastya. Angered by this, Agastya intended to curse him. But at that moment, as he was observing a vow of silence and fasting, he could not utter a curse himself. Therefore, he asked another sage, named Bhramitta, to pronounce the curse.
Bhramitta then cursed the king with an incurable disease of leprosy. Suffering greatly, King Gopidharathuvajan finally realised his mistake and went to Sage Agastya, who was at Pothigai Hills, and begged for forgiveness. Moved by his sincere repentance, Agastya directed him to the Karur Aanilaiyappar Temple as the place where he could be relieved from the curse.
The king came to Karur, bathed in the Brahma Theertham, and worshipped Pasupatheeswarar continuously. Eventually, he was completely cured and he returned to his kingdom where he ruled again with dignity.
Thus, according to this Puranic story, this sacred place earned the honour of being the “Temple of Curse Removal” (Saaba Vimochana Kovil) praised by Sage Agastya.
Bhramitta then cursed the king with an incurable disease of leprosy. Suffering greatly, King Gopidharathuvajan finally realised his mistake and went to Sage Agastya, who was at Pothigai Hills, and begged for forgiveness. Moved by his sincere repentance, Agastya directed him to the Karur Aanilaiyappar Temple as the place where he could be relieved from the curse.
The king came to Karur, bathed in the Brahma Theertham, and worshipped Pasupatheeswarar continuously. Eventually, he was completely cured and he returned to his kingdom where he ruled again with dignity.
Thus, according to this Puranic story, this sacred place earned the honour of being the “Temple of Curse Removal” (Saaba Vimochana Kovil) praised by Sage Agastya.
Structure of the temple
The Rajagopuram (main tower) of the temple rises to a height of 108 feet with seven tiers, radiating divine grace. The tower is adorned with stucco sculptures depicting the Thiruvilayadal Puranam, the Dasavatara (ten incarnations of Vishnu) and various deities.
The temple itself is a massive stone structure, measuring 465 feet east–west and 250 feet north–south. At the entrance is a stone mandapam (pavilion) and in front of it stands a flag post (Dwajasthambam) made of black stone.
On one side of the entrance is a sculpture of Pukal Chozha Nayanar holding a plate with the head of a Shiva devotee in his hand. On the other side is a sculpture of Kamadhenu gently rubbing a Shiva Lingam with her tongue and underneath her hind legs is another Lingam being directly fed with milk — both portrayed beautifully in stone.
To the right of the stone mandapam is the Pukal Chozhar Mandapam, also called the Hundred-Pillar Hall (Noorukaal Mandapam). In the outer prakaram, there is a separate shrine for Siddhar Karuvuraar.
On entering the temple, a Sri Chakra can be seen carved on one of the pillars on the right side.
Inside, the main Lingam (Moolavar) grants His divine darshan. In front of the sanctum are the large Nandhi and the flag staff. There are separate shrines for Lord Pasupatheeswarar and for the two Goddesses. The idol of Krupanayaki is strikingly life-like, especially the expressive eyes.
According to the Alankaravati Charukkam, Goddess Parvati, along with Lakshmi and Saraswati, came from Kailash to the Vanji forest here, bathed in the Amaravathi River and worshipped Lord Pasupatheeswarar daily. It is considered special that Nandhi is present in front of both the shrines of the Goddesses.
Lord Muruga also has a shrine here, along with Valli and Deivayanai.
Near the Navagraha shrine, Bhairavar gives darshan in solitude. According to revelations from the Sri Nandheeswarar Jeevanaadi, the jeeva-samadhi of Karuvuraar is located inside the sanctum at the feet of the main deity; the jeeva-samadhi of Eripatha Nayanar lies in the stone mandapam, between a stone pillar and the spear (Vel) that was placed there later; and the jeeva-samadhi of Pukal Chozhar is situated in the centre of the Pukal Chozhar Mandapam.
On one side of the entrance is a sculpture of Pukal Chozha Nayanar holding a plate with the head of a Shiva devotee in his hand. On the other side is a sculpture of Kamadhenu gently rubbing a Shiva Lingam with her tongue and underneath her hind legs is another Lingam being directly fed with milk — both portrayed beautifully in stone.
To the right of the stone mandapam is the Pukal Chozhar Mandapam, also called the Hundred-Pillar Hall (Noorukaal Mandapam). In the outer prakaram, there is a separate shrine for Siddhar Karuvuraar.
On entering the temple, a Sri Chakra can be seen carved on one of the pillars on the right side.
Inside, the main Lingam (Moolavar) grants His divine darshan. In front of the sanctum are the large Nandhi and the flag staff. There are separate shrines for Lord Pasupatheeswarar and for the two Goddesses. The idol of Krupanayaki is strikingly life-like, especially the expressive eyes.
According to the Alankaravati Charukkam, Goddess Parvati, along with Lakshmi and Saraswati, came from Kailash to the Vanji forest here, bathed in the Amaravathi River and worshipped Lord Pasupatheeswarar daily. It is considered special that Nandhi is present in front of both the shrines of the Goddesses.
Lord Muruga also has a shrine here, along with Valli and Deivayanai.
Near the Navagraha shrine, Bhairavar gives darshan in solitude. According to revelations from the Sri Nandheeswarar Jeevanaadi, the jeeva-samadhi of Karuvuraar is located inside the sanctum at the feet of the main deity; the jeeva-samadhi of Eripatha Nayanar lies in the stone mandapam, between a stone pillar and the spear (Vel) that was placed there later; and the jeeva-samadhi of Pukal Chozhar is situated in the centre of the Pukal Chozhar Mandapam.
Greatness of the temple
This is a Pancha-linga Sthalam — five sacred Shiva Lingams are present in this holy place:
Pasupathi Lingam, Kodeeswara Lingam, Kailayanatha Lingam, Kariyamaleesa Lingam and Vanchuleswara Lingam.
Pasupathi Lingam, Kodeeswara Lingam, Kailayanatha Lingam, Kariyamaleesa Lingam and Vanchuleswara Lingam.
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| Kariyamaleesa lingam |
On the 14th, 15th and 16th days of the month of Panguni, the sun’s rays enter through the gopuram tower and fall directly on the divine form of Pasupatheeswarar, making it shine brilliantly. It is believed that only those who have great merit are blessed to witness this divine sight.
The elders also say that Kailash, Mandar, Kashi, Kanchi, Prayag, Naimisaranyam, Sethu and Vanchularanyam are the eight most sacred Shiva shrines.
Those who worship at Vanchularanyam (this temple) continuously for nine days will receive the benefit of worshipping at all the other eight holy shrines as well.
The elders also say that Kailash, Mandar, Kashi, Kanchi, Prayag, Naimisaranyam, Sethu and Vanchularanyam are the eight most sacred Shiva shrines.
Those who worship at Vanchularanyam (this temple) continuously for nine days will receive the benefit of worshipping at all the other eight holy shrines as well.
Benefits
Those who come to this holy place and offer their worship are freed from the sins of their past births.
Marriages are blessed, children are born, wealth increases and one receives long life, divine grace and even liberation.
It is said that lighting a lamp here, with ghee made from pure cow's milk, grants blessings so great that even Brahma himself cannot fully describe them.
Whoever chants “Nama Sivaya” in the Dakshinamurthy shrine will receive the same merit as chanting it ten million times in Kashi.
Marriages are blessed, children are born, wealth increases and one receives long life, divine grace and even liberation.
It is said that lighting a lamp here, with ghee made from pure cow's milk, grants blessings so great that even Brahma himself cannot fully describe them.
Whoever chants “Nama Sivaya” in the Dakshinamurthy shrine will receive the same merit as chanting it ten million times in Kashi.
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| Lord Dhakshinamurthy |
Any charity or offering made in this temple yields many times its normal merit. Likewise, bathing in the sacred waters of this temple and in the associated theerthams grants countless benefits.
Devotees believe that bathing in the Brahma Theertham on the Karthigai day in the month of Karthigai and lighting a lamp afterwards will lead one directly to the abode of Shiva.
The elders also say that reading or even listening to the Karur Puranam is one of the easiest paths to attain Shiva’s abode.
Devotees believe that bathing in the Brahma Theertham on the Karthigai day in the month of Karthigai and lighting a lamp afterwards will lead one directly to the abode of Shiva.
The elders also say that reading or even listening to the Karur Puranam is one of the easiest paths to attain Shiva’s abode.
Festivals/Pujas
The Panguni Uthiram festival is celebrated for 13 days in this temple. Other major festivals include Arudra Darshan in the month of Margazhi, Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri, Uriyadi Festival, the Pookkudalai Festival conducted by the devotees of Eripatha Nayanar and Skanda Sashti.
Special pujas and rituals are also performed on Pradosham, Guru Peyarchi, Sani Peyarchi, Pournami (full moon) and Ashtami (waning moon).
Special pujas and rituals are also performed on Pradosham, Guru Peyarchi, Sani Peyarchi, Pournami (full moon) and Ashtami (waning moon).
Every year in the month of Aadi, a grand divine celebration, called “Deiva Thirumanangal” (Divine Weddings), is held in this temple. It is the heavenly marriage ceremony of the Lord Pasupatheeswarar with His two consorts — Alankara Valli and Soundara Nayaki.
Thousands of devotees participate in this festival, offer ceremonial gifts, take part in the divine wedding of the Lord and the Goddesses and receive the blessings of the divine couple.
Temple of Thevaram Hymns
This is one of the Shiva temples praised in the Tevaram hymns by Thirugnanasambandar. Among the 274 sacred Shiva temples sung in the Tevaram, this shrine is the 211th.
Thirugnanasambandar visited this place with his father Sivapada Hridayar and other devotees, worshipped the Lord here, and composed hymns in His praise.
Arunagirinathar also celebrated the beautiful Murugan of this temple by composing nine Tiruppugazh hymns.
There are 17 Chola-period inscriptions in Karur which provide important historical evidence about this temple.
Thirugnanasambandar visited this place with his father Sivapada Hridayar and other devotees, worshipped the Lord here, and composed hymns in His praise.
Arunagirinathar also celebrated the beautiful Murugan of this temple by composing nine Tiruppugazh hymns.
There are 17 Chola-period inscriptions in Karur which provide important historical evidence about this temple.
Nandhi Thevaram
Through the sacred Nandhi Jeevanaadi, the founder of Sri Nandheeswarar Gnanapeedam Swami Sidhaguruji, has revealed a Nandhi Thevaram (divine hymn) about Karur Aanilaiyappar.
வெண்திà®™்கள் தலைசூடி விடையேà®±ி கனம் சூà®´
மண் மங்க நுà®°ைபொà®™்க கரைபுரளுà®®் காவேà®°ி
தண்கொண்ட கருவூà®°ில் குடிகொண்ட ஆநிலையாà®°்
கண்கண்டு கைதொà®´ுவோà®°் கரைசேà®°்வாà®°் பிறப்பின்à®±ி
Meaning
With the white moon adorning His crown, mounted on the bull, amidst the dense clouds,
in Karur where the Cauvery surges with froth and floods its banks,
dwells Lord Aanilaiyar.
Those who behold Him and worship with folded hands
shall surely reach the Eternal Shore, free from rebirth.
in Karur where the Cauvery surges with froth and floods its banks,
dwells Lord Aanilaiyar.
Those who behold Him and worship with folded hands
shall surely reach the Eternal Shore, free from rebirth.
Location
Karur is located 76 km from Tiruchirappalli, 113 km from Coimbatore, 100 km from Salem and 144 km from Madurai.
It is well connected by rail and road transport.
Air travellers can fly to the major nearby cities and then reach Karur by road.
Nearby temples
Near Karur, there are several temples worth visiting, such as:
🕉️Vennaimalai Bala Murugan Temple
🕉️Thanthondrimalai Kalyana Venkataramana Swamy Temple
🕉️Nerur Sadashiva Brahmendrar Temple
🕉️Venjamakkudalur Temple, one of the seven famous Shiva shrines of the Kongu region.
🕉️Sree Nandheeswarar Gnanapeedam (Navanadha Sidhar Jeeva samadhi peedam)
🕉️Arulmigu Mariamman Temple, well known for granting the wishes of devotees, is also located very close by.
Google maps
Address
Arulmigu Kalyana Pasupatheeswarar temple,
Sannadhi street, Madavilagam, Karur - 639001
Tamilnadu, India
May the glorious Saivaite dharma be manifested throughout the world!
Om Namasivaya!
Reviewer
Prof. R. Pandiaraj
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