Avinashilingeswarar Temple Avinashiappar temple

Overview

Avinashi is part of the ancient Kongunadu which now comprises the districts of Coimbatore, Salam, Dharmapuri, Karur and Palani. This Place of Great historical importance was known as Thirupukkaliyur in the ancient times. Avinashi temple is located on the Chennai Cochin NH47 highways. Lord Avinashi Appar, Lord Bhairava and the holy water-theertham- are brought from Kasi. Bathing in the Kasi well in the temple on new moon day-Amavasya brings manifold benefits to the devotee. There will be no interval closing of the temple on new moon days. Vinasam in Sanskrit or Tamil means perishable. Avinashi means imperishable.

About the Temple

The east facing shrine of Avinashi Lingeswarar is located on the banks of Nallar river. A Deepasthambam can be seen in front of the temple which is carved of single stone. The lower part of this 70 foot post bears the carvings of lord Ganapathi, Sundaramoorthi Nayanar and the rebirth of a boy from the mouth of a crocodile. This Dheepasthumbam (Post) is a unique feature in all the ancient temples of Kongunadu. A 30 pillar hall built by the King of Mysore, Udayur in the year 1756 is located in front of the Dheepasthumbam.

Main Tower

The Main Tower (Raja Gopuram) of this temple is nearly 100 feet height and one of the biggest towers in the Kongunadu. This tower was first built during the period of Kongu Pandian Sundarapandian (1285- 1300). Later it was reconstructed by the King of Mysore. In the year 1860, the tower was damaged by the lightning and totally demolished by the district administration. The present structure was constructed by Sundara swamigal of Kumara mutt in the year 1980.

Holy Water

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

Holy Tree

The temple history reveals that the holy tree of this temple was a mango tree. Now the Amman deity is located under a Padhiri tree. This temple is also called as villvavanam as the premises was once surrounded by a large number of Vilvam trees.

Halls

The hall has 30 pillars and is located in front of the Theepasthumb was constructed by king Udayar of Mysore, in the year 1756. As we enter through the seven stage tower we can see the Navavanga hall. The deities present in this hall are Orthuvathandava Moorthi, Alankattu Kaliyammai, Veerabadharan and those of who built this particular hall. This hall was raised by the efforts of Kavayapalayam China Kaliyappa Gounder and Periya Kaliyappa Gounder. Thirukalyana hall (wedding hall) is located adjacent to the main shrine. The celestial wedding of the lord will be celebrated in this hall during the month of Chithrai. The newly built Vasantha hall can be found opposite to the wedding hall.

Artistic Features

Avinashi temple is a repository of fine carved architecture throughout its structure. The intricate carvings depicting various events in Hindu mythology can be seen, here. The original `Rajagopuram', was replaced by the present structure when it being came dilapidated. In the front of the temple is seen the flag-staff (Dwajasthambha), which contains carvings depicting the legend of saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar, retrieving the boy from the mouth of a crocodile. This temple also has the unique feature of having an individual shrine for Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar, who was an ardent disciple of Lord Shiva.

The Pandiya King, Sundara Pandiyan(1285-1300), constructed this temple, which was later expanded by other monarchs, belonging to different dynasties. The first idol that one worships on entering the temple through the Rajagopuram is the Selva Vinayagar. On the ceiling above is carved the `Uchi pillayar' Anointment of this deity is believed to bring rains even during drought conditions.

Beneath the gopuram (tower), on the left are seen the idols of saints Sundarar and Manickavasagar. Carvings of other celestial forms like that of the dwarf like`Bhoothaganas' and others can also be seen here. The front portal is called the `Navagraha Mandapam' which houses the magnificant sculptures of Gods and Goddesses like the `Alangattu Kali' and Urdhava Thandava Murthy. Each of these idols is 6' in height. These two idols depict one of the most dramatic episodes of Hindu Mythology.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva entered into a dancing combat with Goddess Sakthi. A fierce competition took place and the Lord finally triumphed, when he lifted his leg high above his shoulder. This was a stance that Sakthi could not perform due to modesty and was defeated. Hence, these idols that depict this celestial performance show the 16 handed Urdhavamurthy, with a triumphant look on his face, with sparkling eyes. Whereas, Alangattu Kali, the incarnation of Sakthi, has a eyes downcast due to defeat. But, mixed emotions of both fury and humiliation have been brought out in the face of this idol which is considered a masterpiece of sculptor and an excellent example for ancient sculptures.

About The Deity

The Lord Avinashi Lingeswar enshrined here is looked upon as the offshoot of the one in Kashi (Banaras). Thus Avinashi is called the Kashi of Kongunadu. 'Avinashi means 'imperishable', 'eternal'. One of the unique features of this temple is that Lord's consent named Karunambigai Amman is seen on the right side of the Lingeswar. The Sanctum Sanctorum of Karunambigai Amman is located in the southern side of the temple corridor. The Kala Bairavar shrine of this temple has a special status. This deity is aesthetically designed with a divine outlook. Kala Bairavar has exclusive Sahasranamam.

Others Deities

1. Vinayagar
2. Dhandayudhapani
3. Arupathu Moovar (63 Nayanar)
4. Panja Bhootha Thirumeniyar (Five Elements)
5. Gaja Lakshmi
6. Durgai
7. Chandhikeshwar
8. Sundara moorthi nayanar
9. Nadarajar
10. Navagrahungal

Festivals

The most important Festival of this temple is Chithirai Brahmmotsavam (April-May). Lord Shiva grants His darshan to 63 Nayanmars from His Vrushab -bull – vahan. 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 gala will be completed with the function of pouring turmeric water.

Pooja Details	Timing
Temple opening	5.00 A.M
Ushat Kalam	5.30 - 6.00 A.M
Kaala Sandhi	8.00 - 8.30 A.M
Uchikalam	12.00 - 12.30 P.M
Sayarakshai	5.30 - 6.00 P.M
Artha Saman	7.30 - 8.00 P.M

Nearby Places to Visit

Maruthamalai Temple

Dedicated to Lord Subramanya this hilltop temple is one of the most visited temples in this region. The reason being that the presiding deity Dhandayuthapani is believed to have performed several miracles here. Thai poosam and Thirukarthigai festivals are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety in this temple. Maruthamalai is 12 kms. from the railway station.

Eachanari Vinayakar Temple

It is dedicated to Lord Vinayaka and is situated about 13 kms. from the heart of Coimbatore city. People travelling further south usually pray to this God to prevent obstacles or hurdles on their journey, as he is considered the remover of obstacles.

Karamadai Ranganathar Temple

Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, this is the second oldest temple in Coimbatore. The Vijayanagara Kings built it.

Masani Amman Temple

Situated between Pollachi and Palakkad, this temple is about 45 to 50 k.m. from the hub of Coimbatore. Devotees believe that if they grind red chilli paste and apply it on the presiding deity their lost valuables will be restored to them.

Kovai Kutralam

It is 37 km. from Coimbatore and 5 km.away from Alandurai village. It is perennial waterfalls located in the Western Ghat forest. It is also known as Sengupathy waterfalls. It is surrounded by a thick forest and is full of flora and fauna.

Kovai Kutralam

It is 37 km. from Coimbatore and 5 km.away from Alandurai village. It is perennial waterfalls located in the Western Ghat forest. It is also known as Sengupathy waterfalls. It is surrounded by a thick forest and is full of flora and fauna.

Noyyal River

It flows near the Perur temple. Many religious ritual are being performed here.

The Siruvani Waterfalls and Dam

The waterfalls and the dam are about an hour's drive from Coimbatore. The water of the Siruvani is known as for its good taste. The panoramic views of the dam and the falls are enchanting.

Velliangiri Hills

These mountains are known as the kailash of the south. Located in the outskirts of Coimbatore, it is one of the sacred hills. Lakhs of people undertake the arduous 8 km trek during Maha Sivarathri and Chitra Pournami every year. Rare medicinal herbs can be found on these mountains. The exotic flora and fauna add to the mystical colors of the pilgrimage.

Dhyanalinga

This is the largest lingam in the world and it is located in the foothhills of the Velliangiri mountain about 30 kms from Coimbatore. The lingam is a single black granite stone 13 ft.9 inches in height and it has with seven copper rings embedded in it, corresponding to the seven charkas that is believed to govern the human body. The Avudaiyar or its base is made from a single white granite stone 9 ft in diameter and is in the form of a seven headed coiled snake.

The Dhyanalinga does not ascribe to any particular religion or faith, but is the distilled essence of yogic science. The dome has been built with traditional material like burnt bricks, mud and mortar and additional herbal additional herbal additives.

Rare Facts

Lord is a swayambumurthy in the temple. Holy tree Pathiri blossoms only during the Brahmmotsavam and never before or later.

Accessibility

The nearest airport is at Coimbatore (40 kms from Avinashi). The nearest railway station is at Tiruppur (10 Kms from Avinashi). Avinashi is 10 km from Tirupur on the Coimbatore road. The temple is on the main road. Frequent Bus facilities available from Coimbatore , Tiruppur and Erode.

Temple Address

Arulmigu Avinashi Lingeshwarar Temple,
Avinashi - 641 654,
Tirupur District.