Pillayar Patti Lord Ganesh Temple

Pillaiyarpatti temple is a rock - cut temple located about 12 km's from Karaikudi on the Karaikudi Madurai road.It was built after hewing a hillock by the early Pandiya kings and the image of Karpaga Vinayaka and that of a Siva Linga were carved out of a stone by a sculptor called Ekkattur Koon Peruparanan who put his signature on a stone inscription found even today in the sanctum. He put his signature in Tamil Language which was in use between 2nd and 5th century AD. It can be concluded that the icon of Karpaga Vinayaka must have been carved around 4th century AD.

This temple is 1,600 years old. The 14 stone inscriptions found in this temple, dated between 400 AD and 1238 AD reveal that the place was known as Ekkattur Thiruveengaikudi Maruthankudi Raja Narayanapuram before it came to be called Pillaiyarpatti. Vinayak, the God of Victory is the main deity here in the name Karpaga Vinayakar. This temple is the only one in TamilNadu which deserves pride for having a 6 feet rock-cut Vinayak idol. The Thumbikai of Lord Ganesh is curled towards his right side and so the God is also known as Valampuri Vinayakar. The larger inner shrine with its splendid sculptures make the people wonder on the first sight.

Besides this Ganesh image, there are many other images of deities carved out of rocks. One of them is Thiruveesar, a Siva Lingam. Other gods presiding in this temple are Marudankudi Eesar and Vaadaamalar Mangai. Every day five poojas are offered to the God.

In front of the temple is a large beautiful teppakulam(tank) and it serves the water needs of the temple devasthanam. The temple has two splendid Rajagopurams. There are many inscriptions found in this temple which tell us the history of this ancient architecture.

The maintenance of the temple premises is also a major reason for drawing people here and all the glory belongs to the Chettiar community who have renovated the entire temple and taken care of it.

The festivals Ganesh Chathurthi & Karthigai are celebrated here in a grand manner. Ganesh Chathurthi is celebrated as ten days festival with flag hoisting. During this festive season, Lord Ganesh is taken on a procession in his Mooshika Vahana. The Car festival on the 9th day and Theerthavari on the 10th day draws millions of people from all over the nation and the State Government arranges for special buses every year. 'Thiruvaathirai' is also celebrated here in the Tamil month of Margazhi.