Coimbatore Temples

The third largest city of Tamil Nadu, it is one of the most industrialised cities in Tamil Nadu.   Coimbatore existed even prior to the second century AD as the capital of a small tribal village Kongunad, until it was brought under Chola controlin the 2nd – 3rd century by Karikala Cholan, the first of the early Cholas.

Perur Patteeswarar Temple

This Siva temple is situated 7km west of Coimbatore near river Noyyal.  The presiding deity of this temple is known as Patteeswarar and his consort Parvathi is known as Pachainayaki.  The temple was built by King Karikala Cholan over 1500 year ago.  It is one of the six Thandava Sthalam, here the Lord performed Ananda Thandavam.
This sanctum is the joint effort of the Chola, Hoysala and Vijayanagara rulers during their reign.  The greatest attraction of the temple is the ‘Kanaka Saba’ or the golden hall which is adorned by a gold plated statue of Nataraja bestowing blessings upon the two sages Gowmuni and Pattimuni  The gopurams and pillars of the hall are exquisitely carved out sculptures highlighting Dravidian architecture.  The significance of Perur temple in earlier days is unfolded in the poetic creations of Arunagiri Nather and Kachipappa Munivar.  The temple stands on the banks of theholy river Noyyal called ‘Kanchi Manadi’ by the locals pilgrims from all over visit this spot to pay homage to their ancestors.

Marudhamalai Murugan Temple

This is a small natural hill lying to the west of Coimbatore.  More than 800 years old, the presiding deity is Lord Subramaniaswami. The temple dedicated to Lord Murugan is at a height of 600 feet from the foot of the hill.  The flights of steps are interspread with attractive mandapams.  Though shorn of all sculptural and architectural glories, the hilly background of this temple compensates for their absence and makes it an attractive picnic spot even from the point of view of an holidays maker.

Velliangiri Hills

These mountains are known as the Kailash of the south.  Located in the outskirts of Coimbatore, it is one of the sacred hills.  Lakhs of people undertake the arduous I km trek during Maha Sivarathri and Chitra Pournami every year.  Rare medicinal herbs can be found on these mountains.  The exotic flora and fauna add to the mystical colors of the pilgrimage.

Dhyanalinga

This is the largest lingam in the world and it is located in the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountain about 30 km form Coimbatore.  The lingam is a single black granite stone 13ft. 9 inches in height and it has with seven copper rings embedded in it, corresponding to the seven charkas that is believed to govern the human body.  The Avudaiyar or its base is made from a single white granite stone 9ft in diameter and is in the form of a seven headed coiled snake.
The Dhynalainga does not ascribe to any particular religion or faith, but is the distilled essence of yogic science.  The dome has been built with traditional material like burnt bricks, mud and mortar and additional herbal additional herbal additives.

Around Coimbatore

Avinashilingeswarar temple is about 40km, Bannari Amman temple is about 83km, Masaniyamman temple at Pollachiis about 40km, Ammanalingeswarar temple at Thirumoorthy hill is about 21km from Udumalapet.

Bhavani

Bhavani is about 14km from erode.  The Sangameshwar temple at Bhavani is situated at the confluence of the rivers Bhavani and the Cauvery.  This place is called Thiruveni of South India.  It is an important pilgrim center.   Lord Sangameshwarar withhis consort Vedanayaki is presiding deity.

Namakkal

Namakkal is also called as Namagiri, meaning the rock formation at the center of the town.  Namakkal is well known for its temples and other sacred sites.  The 7th century rock cut temples on a hill known as Namagiri are popular among Vaishnavites.   On other side of the hill are shrines dedicated to Sri Ranganatha and Sri Narshimaha.  Before proceeding to the Narashimaha shrine, devotees worship a majestic image of Lord Hanuman.

Tiruchengode

Tiruchengode is about 42km form Salem.  This Siva temple is regarded as Tevara Stalams in the Kongu Region of Tamilnadu.  This beautiful temple is situated 24km from Salem.  Lord Siva is dedicated as Ardhanareeswarar one of the 64 manifestations of Shiva, representing the unity of Shiva and Parvati, is enshrined in this revered hill temple.
This is an ancient temple mentioned in the Tamil work Silappadikaram.  The red color of the hill caused thename Chengode.  The image above, shows the view of the surrounding area from the top of the Tiruchengode hill.  Although the sanctum faces the West, entrance to it is from the South.  A majestic image of Ardanareeswarar adorns the sanctum.

Quickly Find What You Are Looking For