Arulmigu Kalyana Pasupatheswarar Temple — Attraction in Karur

Kalyana Pasupatheeswarar temple, Karur is located in karur and is one of the seven Sivastalams in Kongu Nadu.

This city was called karuvoor during the time of Sambandar's visit to this temple

Arulmigu Kalyana Pasupatheswarar Temple

Legend has it that Siva on sensing the conceit of Brahma as the creator of the world, sent Kamadhenu to Vanji forest in Karur to take up the duty of creation and instructed her to worship the Siva lingam hidden in an anthill at the forest. When Kamadenu was performing the abishekam to the lingam with its milk, her hoof accidentally hit the lingam and injured it. The scar left on the lingam is seen on its back even now as a depression. Kamadenu pleaded guilty.

The Lord told her that He will be hailed as Pasupatheeswarar as she worshipped him at this place thus according a special status to Kamadenu. Pleased with this, Kamadenu continued the work of creation. Meanwhile, realising his mistakes Brahma took up severe penance worshipping Lord Siva in order to get back his place in Satya loka. Pleased with his prayers, the Lord restored the power of creation back to Brahma and took Kamadenu along with him. Later on a temple came to be built in that place. There is a brahma theertham created by Brahma to the north of the river Amaravathy.Quite paradoxically, the presiding deity has two consorts, Alankara Valli (also known as Kripanayaki) and Soundara Nayaki and their sannidhis are found to the north of the presiding deity. There is an underpass from the kalyana mantapam, to reach their shrines. While Alankaravalli is a symbol of ‘kriya sakti,’ Soundara Nayaki represents ‘itcha sakti.’ The sannidhi of Alankara Valli with the Sri Chakram and the mount, lion, installed in front of her, faces east, and that of Soundara Nayaki south.

An interesting and authentic tale hangs around the second consort, Soundara Nayaki. It is said that Vadivudaiyal born to a wealthy village official in Appipalayam, at a distance of seven km to the west of Karur, was devoted to Pasupatheeswarar and was bent upon marrying Him. She performed Siva puja daily by observing all religious injunctions. Her parents could not dissuade her. On the other hand, Pasupatheeswarar assured them in their dream that he would marry their daughter on the seventh day of Panguni Uthiram festival, which will be indicated through a floral shower over entire Appipalayam. Vadivudaiyal was meditating when the whole village witnessed the downpour, and a glowing garland bedecked her. She was taken to Pasupatheeswarar temple where she merged with the lord. Even to this date, the utsava idol of Pasupatheeswarar is taken to Appipalayam, on the sixth day in the month of Panguni and returns on the seventh day with Soundara Nayaki.

The sprawling kalyana mantapam is a fine piece of architecture. Its supporting pillars impart a sense of rhythm and symmetry. The original floor must have been replaced with dark spark tiles at some point of time during the kumbabishekam, the last of which was held in 2006. The floor has been divided into three segments. The lower-most has the dwajasthambam, bali peetam and Nandi of a moderate size. The top-most segment leads to maha mantapam, ardha mantapam and garbagriha. The ceiling is splashed with paintings of puranic lore. The lingam, which is said to be swayambu, is five-ft tall.

The highlight is the lingam is found tilted to the north. It is said that in order to enable Karuvur Thevar, one of the 18 siddhars, merge with the effulgence of Siva, the Lord...

Entering the temple, the stone-made Flag post-Kodimaram greets the devotee.  One side of the Kodimaram has the sculpture of King Pugazh Chola Nayanar with his hand holding a head on a plate.  The other side has the sculpture of a cow licking the Shivalinga from its rear legs under its milk organs.  The 100 pillar Mandapam is called Pugazh Chozhar Mandap.  This is one of the five capitals of the Chola kings. Lords Nataraja and Dakshinamurthi are in the ghoshta wall. There is also a shrine for Lord in inner prakara and shrines for Mother Mahalakshmi and Lord Arumugha. The reputation of the temple is manifold.  The place was ruled by devout Pugazh Chola Nayanar.  Eripatha Nayanar and Karuvur Thevar author of Tiruvisaipa forming part of the 12 Saivite hymns editions were born here.  Another celebrated Nayanar, Sivakami Andar placed himself in the service of Lord in the temple.  This is a very ancient temple renovated by emperor Mushukunda.  According to Sthala Puranas, the invitation for the wedding of Lord Muruga with Deivanai at Tiruparankundram was dispatched from Karur.   Karuvurar, one of the 18 Siddhas merged with Lord Aanilayappar in this place causing a slight siding of the Linga. The Aanilai Linga in the temple is a swayambumurthi.  Lord Brahmma is mentioned as the ever first devotees to worship Lord Shiva in this temple.  Divine cow Kamadenu has worshipped Lord here.  Its foot print is visible on the Linga. The temple of Siddha Karuvuruar is in the southwest corner of this place.  Some Brahmins complained against him to the king that the Siddha was following the Vama Marga offering wine and meat to the Lord.  The enquiry revealed that the complaint was biased and false and the king punished the complainants.  As they continued to harass him, the Siddha merged with Lord Aanilayappar on Thai Poosam day (January-February).

Lord Brahmma became proud of his position as Creator of the world.  To teach him a lesson, Lord Shiva made divine cow Kamadenu come to Earth through Narada to perform penance on Him in this place, a forest of Vanji trees then.  A divine voice instructed Kamadenu to worship the Linga hidden in an anthill there.  Following the instructions, Kamadenu was pouring its milk on Lord in the anthill.  As its foot hit the Linga in, it began to bleed.  Lord told Kamadenu that He would be worshipped as Pasupathi Nathar as the cow (Kamadenu) worshipped Him and that Kamadenu would do the creation work.  Kamadenu began the job that wiped of the pride of Brahmma.  Merciful Lord returned the creation job to Brahmma then and took...

Karur is a small town and is nearly 120 KMs from Coimbatore and it is 70 Kms from Tiruchy. Those who think that it is a small city, may be surprised to know that it is one of the most important place for culture and religion, besides business people, who are known for their business culture and acumen ship. A nearby village, by name, Nerur is famous for Sadasiva Brahmendra Samadhi, who lived almost 300 years ago and known for his knowledge and considered as the reincarnation of Lord Dakshinamurthy Himself. Karur, the ancient city is the abode of Lord Siva temple, which is more than 2000 years old. There is a book on Karur in 3 volumes of more than 3000 printed pages indicate the historical importance of Karur and its rich cultural heritage. Those who visit Karur must visit the Siva temple, which is very near to Karur bus stand. The name of the Lord Siva is Kalyana Pasupatheeswara Swami and Soundara Nayaki ammal and Alankaravalli ammal decorate the abodes with abundance of grace and blessings. The temples were built and supported by Muzukunda Chakravarthy (King) and Pukal Cholar. The Chettiars of Karur are proud of this rich cultural abode and no doubt they have supported this temple for thousands of years and the growth of the temple go hand in hand with Naatukottai chettiars’ history and growth, life and well being. The majestic Bairavar, cute Dakshinamurthy, charming Goshti Vinayakar, beautiful Umai Murugan, Arthanareeswar (the first God, who gave the half of his to his better half), Gajalakshmi and wonderful carvings await everyone , who visits the temple. One of the greatest of four Saivites, Thiru Gnanasambandhar had visited this temple and sang in praise of the Lord Siva and it is engraved on the walls of the temple. This shows not only the greatness of the temple, but also its rich heritage and religious importance. This alone suffice to prove the historical importance of Karur as the rich house of heritage and cultural wealth. In this temple, the Jeeva Samadhi of Karuvurar, one of the 18 siddhas welcome with smile on the Left Hand side of the temple. On the day of Full Moon (Pournami day)abhishekam is done to this great Siddha, who even now bestows his grace on all those who visit his Samadhi. His Samadhi bestows blessings and well being on all those who even think of him. This temple is a must visit, when you visit Karur next. Thanks...