Avinashi Sri Karunaiyaaththaal(Avinasiappar) Temple, Tiruppur

Address

Avinashi Sri Karunaiyaaththaal(Avinasiappar) Temple, Avinashi PostAvinashi Taluk,Tiruppur District,PIN 641654 PH:9443139503

Diety

Avinashi Eswarar(Avinashinathar, perunkediliyappar) Amman: Karunambikai, Perunkarunai Nayaki

Introduction

The Tiruppukkozhiyur Temple, also known as the Karunaiyaaththaal Temple, Avinasilingeswarar Temple, and Avainasiappar Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated in Avinasi, a panchayat town in the Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu, India. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Avinasiappar and is represented by a lingam. His consort, Goddess Parvati, is depicted as Karunambigai.

Puranic Significance

The temple is mentioned in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, which was composed by the Nayanars, a group of Tamil saint poets. It is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, signifying its importance in Saiva tradition. The temple complex spans five acres and features two gateway towers, or gopurams, each facing the shrines of Avinasiappar and Karunambigai.

Legend: According to Hindu legend, two eight-year-old boys went for a dip in a tank, and one of them was swallowed by a crocodile. The distressed mother sought the help of the saint-poet Sundarar, who sang praises of Shiva in the temple. Miraculously, the boy was rescued from the crocodile’s grasp. This event is celebrated during the Mudalai Vaai Pillai Utsavam on Panguni Uththiram. The place is called Pukkoliyur, which means “the place where the boy came out of the crocodile’s mouth.”

Beliefs

If we worship the Lord here, we will get rebirth again. Hope to get annihilation. It is believed that if the victims of Sanitosha worship the Sanibagavan here, the effects of Sanidosha will decrease.

Special Features

Thala Virutcham: The sacred tree associated with the temple is the Pathiri tree.
Theerthams (Holy Water Tanks): The temple has several theerthams, including the Kasi Kinaru well, Naga Kannikai Theertham, and Iravadha Theertham.
Other Worshipers: Brahma is said to have worshipped Shiva at this temple for a hundred years, and the elephant of Lord Indra, Iravadham, is believed to have worshipped here for twelve years.

Architecture: The temple’s main entrance, or rajagopuram, is on the east side and features seven tiers and stands over 100 feet tall. Inside the temple, you can find sculptures of various deities and Nayanmars. The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, with Goddess Karunambikai’s sanctum to the right of it.

Festivals

The most important festival at the Tiruppukkozhiyur Temple is the annual Car Festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May). This festival spans 11 days and includes various rituals, with the Car Festival being a significant attraction. The grand event concludes with the pouring of turmeric water.