Pateeswarar Temple, Perur.

Perur Pateeswarar Temple is a temple of Lord Shiva; it is located at Perur, 7 kms west of Coimbatore city, in the State of Tamil Nadu. The temple was built by the Cholan King, Karikala Chola. The temple is located right on the bank of Noyyal River. Lord Shiva, known here as ‘Patteeswarar’, is the presiding deity of this temple together with his consort Parvathi Devi, who is known as ‘Pachainayaki’. The deity is believed to be ‘Swayambu Lingam’ (self emerged). The pillars raised in this temple depict the architectural prowess of the Tamil sculptors, which can be seen in the attached video and photographs.

Being able to visit this ancient temple with a history of about 1300 years is a great feeling. Several generations of devotees, the royalty, saints, poets and the common people have visited this temple to have darshan of Lord Patteeswarar (Shiva) and Pachainayaki (Parvathi Devi) and seek their blessings, and it was our turn on 28th August 2017.

History tells, that the great poet Sundarar, has sung the devotional 'Devaram' song in this temple in the 7th Century. Later great poets like Arunagirinathar and Kachiappa Munivar also patronized this temple. During the rule of Raja Raja Chola, 'Artha Mahal' and 'Maha Mahal' were constructed. In addition to this, there were regular donations from the Chola kings, which are documented on the temple walls.

From the 14th to 17th centuries, it is to be noted that the kings from different dynasties like the Hosala dynasty, Vijayanagara Empire, Nayakkar Kings have contributed immense donations for the maintenance of this temple. The famous 'Kanaga Sabha' 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 gopuram was renovated as well.

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 Lord Ganesha. The Arasambalavanar Shrine dedicated to Lord 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 and Saraswathi Devi with Veena. The sacred trees associated with the temple are the palm and tamarind trees, called Irava Panai and Pirava Puli.

The temple is believed to be one of the places where Shiva is believed to have performed Ananda Thandavam. For this reason, every year the temple celebrates a classical dance week, typically Bharata Natyam.

The temple is open on all days. If you happen to visit Coimbatore or any place nearby, please do visit this ancient temple. You will be very pleased and feel blessed.

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