EshwartheGod: Avinasiappar Temple, Tiruppukoliyur (Avinasi)

Avinasiappar Temple, Tiruppukoliyur (Avinasi)

Location of the temple	Avinasi
Lord Shiva known as	Avinasiappar, Avinasi Lingeswarar
Female deity known as	Karunambikai
Pathigam	Sundarar - 1
How to reach	This Shivasthalam is situated 40 Kms from Coimbatore and about 14 Kms. from Tirupur. The nearest railway station is at Tirupur. Another paadal petra sthalam Tirumurugapoondi is about 5 Kms. from here.
Temple address	Arulmighu Avinasiappar Temple Avinashi Post Avinashi Taluk Coimbatore District PIN 641654

Temple: A "Deepasthambam" is seen in front of the temple which is carved of single stone. The lower part of this 70 feet post bears the carvings of lord Ganapathi, Sundaramoorthi Nayanar and the rebirth of a boy from the mouth of a crocodile. This "Dheepasthumbam" is a unique feature in all the ancient temples of Kongunadu. A 30 pillar hall is located in front of the "Dheepasthumbam".

The Shiva temple at Avinasi is spread over an area of 1.5 acres and is located on the banks of Nallar river. The main rajagopuram is on the east side with 7 tiers. It is nearly 100 feet height and one of the biggest towers in the Kongunadu. The first idol that one worships on entering the temple through the Rajagopuram is the Selva Vinayagar. On the ceiling above the carved image of Uchi pillayar can be seen. Anointment of this deity is believed to bring rains even during drought conditions. Inside the gopuram, the idols of idols of saints Sundarar and Manickavasagar are seen on the left side. Inside there are two corridors. Once we enter , there is a mandapam and magnificant sculptures of Gods and Goddesses like the Veerabadhirar, Oorthava Thandavamurthy, Kali can be seen on the pillars of the mandapam. From the mandapam, one can enter the sanctum sanctorum of Avinasiappar shrine. The Lord Avinashi Lingeswarar enshrined here is looked upon as the offshoot of the one in Kashi (Banaras). Thus Avinashi is called the Kashi of Kongunadu. The inner corridor on the four sides of the sanctum sancotrum are decorated with the images of Nayanmars, Murugan Sannadhi in the northwest and Karaiakal Ammaiar Sannadhi on the northeast.

The shrine of Goddess Karunambikai (consort of Avinashi Lingeswarar) is seen separately and is located on the right side of the presiding deity. It is located in the southern side of the temple corridor. The front mandapam of Goddess Karunambikai shrine has carvings of figures like the elegant and beautiful Kurathi or her more rugged male counterpart Kuravan, which arrest the attention of everybody entering this shrine. At the back of the shrine is carved a figure of scorpion, which is said to have the efficacy to cure a person, from even the bite of a venomous snake and sting of scorpions. The Kala Bairavar shrine of this temple has a special status.

The 6 theerthams of this temple are

1. Kasi Gangai Theertham
2. Theppakulam
3. Nagakakannigai Theertham
4. Thirunallaru
5. Thamaraikulam and
6. Iravathathurai.

The most important Festival of this temple is the annual Car Festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May). This Festival is one of the biggest event in this region, celebrated for 11 days. The Lord will be carried in different carriers in the first four days. The Car pulling is the Prime attraction of this festival and the grand function will be completed with the function of pouring turmeric water.

6 poojas are offered everday in this temple. They are:

1. Temple opening : 5.00 A.M
2. Ushat Kalam : 5.30 to 6.00 A.M
3. Kaala Sandhi : 8.00 to 8.30 A.M
4. Uchikalam : 12.00 to 12.30 P.M
5. Sayarakshai : 5.30 to 6.00 P.M and
6. Artha Saman : 7.30 to 8.00 P.M