Pillaiyarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Kovil, Chettinad
This post is on my visit to Karpaga Vinayagar Kovil in Tamil Nadu. Read on to know what is so special about the temple. I have coincided the posting on this temple with Ganesh Chaturthi festival. It is that time of the year again when Hindus are gearing up for Ganesh Chaturthi (Aug 29th, 2014). This day is the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. Every home celebrating this festival install clay idols of Lord Ganesha. The ritual is: after the celebrations are over the idols are immersed in water.
Belief about Lord Ganesha’s Trunk
Have you ever noticed the lovable elephant headed God is always depicted with His trunk curved towards left? Popular belief is that: left side of our body symbolizes the feminine side of our personality and is cool and composed by nature. The right side is masculine and is considered hot fiery and aggressive.
So it is believed that Lord Ganesha depicted with His trunk turned to left, is in good mood and easy to please. No strict rules need to be followed while worshiping this idol.
Karpaga Vinayagar Kovil with Ganesha’s Trunk turned to rightside
Lord Ganesha depicted with trunk to right is known as Siddhi Vinayaka and is worshiped in a special manner adhering to rules very strictly. Puja is performed after fulfilling all religious requirements. If the rules are violated the results can be disastrous. Such idols are rare.
There is one temple in Chettinad, Tamil Nadu which has this image of Karpaga (black) Vinayagar (black Ganesha). A sculptor called Ekkattur Koon PeruparananIdol carved this mammoth 6 feet tall idol out of a single black stone.
Trunk of Lord Ganesh in Karpaga Vinayagar Kovil is curled towards right side. He is ‘Valamburi Vinayagar’! And devotees believe Him to be a powerful deity who makes all their wishes come true.
Another unusual factor is the idol faces north direction.
Yet another unique feature is: Lord Ganesha here is with two arms, elsewhere in other temples Ganesha idol is featured with 4 arms.
Furthermore, Lord Ganesha is seen seated without Angusapasam. He is seen with his legs folded and stomach not touching the Asanam (seat) in the form of “Artha Padma” Asanam.
Undisturbed reflections of Karpaga Vinayagar Kovil in the temple pond.
Karpaga Vinayagar Kovil, the oldest Cave Temple
Karpaga Vinayagar Kovil is one of the oldest Cave Temples (Rock Cut) temples of Tamil Nadu. Ambiance outside was very soothing. Undisturbed reflections of the gopuram (gates) of the temple looked good. History records the temple is 1600 years old. The temple’s northern tower was erected by the Pandya kings. Nagarathar community, renovated it in 1284, and added the eastern tower and an adjoining mandapam.
Devotees throng this temple in huge numbers. But to the disappointment of tourists cum devotees, authorities here are strict about ‘no photography’ rule. The temple walls reverberate with Vedic mantras recited by students throughout the day. When I reached I felt slightly disappointed about the long queue to enter it. But it moved fast. Most eye-catching feature of the idol is the golden trunk. I could stand long enough to grasp it in my eyes and mutter a silent prayer.
Several different kinds of puja takes place just outside the temple, but within the complex. I saw this family offering some kind of puja.
Location of Karpaga Vinayagar Kovil
The distance of Pillayarpatti from Madurai is 71Kms. And from Karaikudi it is 12Kms on Thirupathoor – Karaikudi state highway in Tamil Nadu.
These temples are always so colorful and fascinating to explore especially when you get a chance to witness the rituals and elaborate flowers and costumes involved, its all wonderful.
That is a very curious and unique Ganesha. 2 hands, its direction and the fact it does not sit on the asanam. Definitely a place that I need to visit and see for myself. Lovely pictures you have captured, especially that of the family waiting for the Pooja
We often saw Ganesh in Sri Lanka but I never knew about the left and the right side for the trunk and what it meant! Thanks for sharing.
Ganesha temples dot the length and breadth of India. More of course in the south. But what is really amazing is that each one has something unique and never fails to pull in hordes of faithful devotees. The Pillaiyarpatti Vinayagar Temple seems to be unique in many ways with respect to the idol. Have not visited this part of the country though, would love to visit this temple when in those parts.
Beautiful! I love the details on the sculptures. I have heard very little about this temple and now I am excited to see it!
I have heard about this temple but never got a chance to visit it. Awesome post as always! By the way, I think , Karpaga is alluding to Kalpavriksha and has the property of fulfilling wishes. This Vinayaka is supposed to have the same property to his devotees. Of course I could be wrong . Black in Tamil is Karuppu.
I so love the South Indian Temples – they are so colorful and have such an intricate and interesting sculptures on them. Karpaga Vinayagar Kovil is really beautiful especially its views across the lake. I had my first trip to South India 2 years ago, but I missed Tamil Nadu — seeing this temple and spending more time in the South part of India would be a great reason to return.
I’d be interested in seeing the exterior of the temple close up, especially since you say it is a cave temple. It’s kind of nice when photography is restricted in some places I think. It allows you to have a more “in the moment” experience at least, even if the line is pretty long. 😉
I really love all the care and attention you put into describing the details of the statue – I’m sure a lot of people would miss most of what you noticed.
What an interesting post, Ingrain! I’m not Hindu, but I’ve always been fascinated by it as the symbolism never fails to amaze it. I do appreciate the fact that there are no photographies inside the temple as somehow taking pictures can disturb the sacredness of the place.
Lord Ganesha here is with two arms, else where in other temples Ganesha idol is featured with 4 arms. Nice information about the sacred place .
How very interesting! I am not Hindu but, after living in India, off and on, for over a year now, I am beginning to know your gods and Ganesha is special to me. I always pray to him to help me overcome any obstacles to my return to this country that I love.
I wish I could visit this temple. There are still so many places in India that I want to go but my retirement pension barely covers flying here and back!! I live vicariously through your wonderful posts.
Very interesting post. I did not know about Ganesha's trunk. But in your photo, is his trunk turned to 'our' left or to his 'right'? Would it be pointing to the masculine or feminine side in your photo?
Informative. Loved that photo of the family offering the Pooja.
Great Info ! thanks for sharing 🙂
Lovely Photos and very nice read Indrani. Loved the post…:)
There is so much to learn about India, fortunately there are many bloggers from your country, who tell about the Indian deities. Thanks!
Wil, ABCW. Team.
It's really interesting. I often find Ganesha statues or profiles on so many place here, but I have never known the history. Thank you for sharing.
Lovely photos and very interesting read! You have taught me many new things through this post!
Lovely reflection in the second photo. Ah, now I will look for Ganesh's trunk facing the right!
Great post, I love the elephant and the pretty temple..The family shot is beautiful. Thanks for sharing, have a happy day!
Very interesting. The reflective photo is well done!
Nice to know about this temple. 2nd picture is simply amazing. Thanks for sharing
Nice write-up and pictures
Nice photos Indrani and thanks for the information provided…never heard of this temple before…
Very interesting about the trunk! I get the fiery, masculine side is less tolerant of mistakes!! 😀
Interesting … never heard abt this temple …my parents love all religious places and they will be happy to know abt this temple …thanks indrani for sharing 🙂
A very interesting post, thankyou.
Interesting observation on the Idol there! Beautiful capture on the temple and nice reflection
Enjoyed the informative post, Indrani! And nice pictures, as always.
How very interesting. In London, where I normally live, the archeologists find lots of these terracotta images in the Thames when they carry out archeological digs. We have a lots of Hindu Londoners who perform their ancient rituals in the Thames, which I think is a lovely blending of the East with the West. The temple in Tamil Nadu looks amazing. Beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing them. All the best, Bonny
Before reading your post I didn't even notice that the trunk was curved to a side! Now I will always see which side it is curved towards and will remember this post!
Tuesday in Maharashtra is celebrated as the day of Siddhi Vinayaka and today is Tuesday and you shared this post and the picture of Lord Ganesh. I consider this a good Omen. Thank you Indrani. You made my day auspicious.
I loved to read the post and the info in it. The pictures were beautiful.It is amazing how much richness does our country hold.
That was a very informative post. Many hindu idols display feminine side in the idols. Shiv-linga has an entire right side is feminine while Lord Krishna idols wear nose ring.
It is said that the lord is not complete without being feminine
Beautiful.
I just noticed that you have written 1000+ posts. Hats off to you.
Nice pictures. I always why these temples don't clean the pond inside the temple. 🙂
Stunning architecture doubly beautiful when reflected as in your photograph.
What a lovely elephant and a beautiful temple.
Thank you for another beautiful, interesting and informative post about your world!! I do enjoy them so very much, Indrani!!
very interesting. i'm quite fascinated by the hindu gods.
thanks for the education on the lord ganesha depictions!
Wonderful shots and interesting post.
Hi Indrani, your photos are marvelous and this was a very interesting post. Thank you so much.