Perur Patteeswarar temple

Perur Patteeswaraswamy temple built by Karikala Cholan is located 7-km west of Coimbatore near river Noyyal. Coimbatore has many temples out of which the Perur Patteeshwara Swamy (also spelt as Swami) temple is the most popular one. The temple upholds huge statues. The significance of Perur temple in earlier days is unfolded in the poetic creations of Arunagiri Nather and Kachiappa Munivar.

image  credit : grknet4

The temple stands on the banks of the holy river Noyyal called 'Kanchi Manadi' by the locals. The sanctum seen in the temple is the joint effort of the Chola, Hoysala and Vijayanagara rulers. This temple is rich in architecture. The statues of Gajasamhara, Virabadra, Bikshadana, Oordhva Thandava, Saraswati with Veena all rival one another in artistic perfection.

Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this temple who is known as 'Patteeswarar' and his consort Parvati is known as 'Panchanayaki'. The idol in the temple is believed to be 'Swayambu Lingam' (self emerged). This temple has several towers and mandapams with ornate pillars. The Golden Hall with the Golden image of Nataraja - the cosmic dancer here is known for its beauty. Ten pillars have various forms of Shiva carved on them. The roof has a series of stone chains.

Other temples here include the Pattivinayakar temple dedicated to Ganesha, the Arasambalavanar temple dedicated to Shiva, it is located on the spot where Shiva danced under a peepul tree. The North and South Kailasam temples guard the two directions of the temple.