Perur Pateeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located at Perur, in western part of Coimbatore in state of Tamil Nadu in India. The temple was built by Karikala chola in 2nd Century. The temple is located 7 km west of the Noyyal River and has been patronized by poets like Arunagirinathar and Kachiappa Munivar. Lord Shiva, known as ‘Patteeswarar’, is the presiding deity of this temple together with his consort Parvati, who is known as ‘Pachainayaki’. The deity is believed to be ‘Swayambu Lingam’. The pillars raised in this temple depict the architectural prowess of the Tamil sculptors. Over the period of time, this temple is known by different names such as: Kamadenupuri, pattipuri, Adhipuri, Daksha Kailasham, Thavasiddhapuram, Gnanapuram, Kalyanapuram, Pirava Neri Thalam, Pasupathipuram, Western Chidambaram.
History
This ancient temple was built by king Karikala Chola in 2nd Century, thus making this one of the oldest temple in the state. During the rule of Raja Raja Chola I, 'Artha Mahal' and 'Maha Mahal' were constructed. In addition to this, there were regular donations from the Chola king, which were documented on the temple walls. History reveals that the great poet Sundarar sung the devotional 'Devaram' song in this temple by the 7th Century. Nonetheless, strangely Perur Pateeswarar Temple does not make it to the list ofKongu Nadu Padal petra sthalams, which otherwise has seven of the 276 temples. From the 14th to 17th Centuries, the kings from different dynasties like Hosala dynasty, Vijanagara Empire, Nayakkar Kings have contributed immense donations for the maintenance of this temple. The famous 'Kanaga Sabhai' was built around the 17th century, by Azhagathiri Nayakkar of Madurai. By the 18th Century AD, the primary deities were renovated and also a Mahal for the 63 Nayanmaars were raised. By the 20th century, the Kalyana Mahal and the front Mahal were constructed, and the tower was renovated as well.
Architecture
This temple has several gopurams and halls, famous of which is, 'Kanaka Sabha', the one with the golden statue of Nataraja. The pillars have carvings of the various manifestations of Shiva and the ceiling has a series of stone chains. There is a Patti Vinayagar shrine, dedicated to Ganesha. The Arasambalavanar Shrine dedicated to Shiva at the spot where Shiva is believed to have performed his Thandav under a peepul tree. There are also statues of Gajasamhara, Virabhadra, Bikshadana, Oordhva Thandava, Saraswati with Veena. The sacred trees associated with temple are the palm and tamarind trees, called Irava Panai and Pirava Puli.
Culture
Every year the temple celebrates a classical dance week, typically Bharata Natyam. The most prominent and talented dance schools of the city and even some from other cities take turns to awe the audience with their performance. The temple is believed to be one of the places where Shiva is believed to have performed Ananda Thandavam.
Events
Every year in the month of Panguni, Panguni Uthiram is celebrated. As a part of the event grandly made temple car is taken around the nearby streets and celebrated grandly.
Temple Pond
The Pond is situated opposite of the temple and it used for important rituals such as Panguni Uthiratam.
Temple Lake
Perur Padithurai is 200 meters North from temple and it is situated on the Southern bank of Noyyal River.
Darshan timings
The temple is open on all days. The darshan timings are as below
