145/365 – Karpaka Vinayakar Temple

Pillaiyar patti Pillaiyar temple is an ancient rock-cut cave shrine dedicated to Ganesha, located at Thiruppatthur, Sivaganga district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.

In the cave temple, there are rock cut images of Siva and other gods as well as several shrines. The Agama texts found on stones in the temple help date the temple between the years of 1091 and 1238.

A unique Tamil image of Pillaiyar found in the temple helps to verify this dating. The presiding deity of the temple is Karpaka Vinayakar or Desi Vinayaka Pillaiyar.

As on today, the Pillayarpatti Nagarathar worshipers are involved in conducting daily worship services in the temple, as well as maintaining it.

People from all over the state, come here everyday, for the worship of Pillayar, the Lord of Wisdom.

The Vinayaka Chaturthi festival, is celebrated for 10 days in a grand manner every year during the months of August and September. During that time, great number of pilgrims gather and participate in the Car Festival.

Like all Shivite temples, Pillayarpatti temple also has Lord Shiva as its presiding deity. Lord’s name is Arjunapureeswarar. This temple is more famous for the rock cut Vinayagar (Ganesha) sitting majestically inside a cave.

Shri Karpaga Vinayagar

The Vinayagar sannidhi is a cave where the 6 feet Karpaga Vinayagar has been carved inside. As this is a cave formation, there is no provision to go around for the pradakshina.

The inner sanctum is well illuminated with oil lamps and the whole idol is covered with gold. Its only during the Abhishekam or the holy bath when we get to see the full idol in its pristine glory.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karpaka_Vinayakar_Temple