Kovilpalayam Kalakeswarar Temple- Coimbatore

Address

Kovilpalayam Kalakeswarar Temple- Kovilpalayam, Coimbatore district, Phone: +91 422- 265 4546

Diety

Kalakeswarar Amman: Karunakaravalli

Introduction

The Kalakaleswarar Temple in Kovilpalayam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, is a significant Shiva temple with a rich history and legends associated with it.

Main Deity:

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, known as Kalakaleswarar.

Location:

The temple is located in Kovilpalayam, Annur Circle, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu.
It is situated about 25 kilometers from Coimbatore on the Sathyamangalam Road.
The place is popularly known as Sarkar Samakulam (SS Kulam).

Historical Significance:

The temple is believed to have been constructed by the Chola kings during the 7th-8th century.

Unique Features:

The Shiva Lingam in this temple is said to be made from sea foam (spume), making it unique in its material.
It is also known as a Somaskanda Kshetram, with a shrine for Lord Murugan situated between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.

Legend of Yama (God of Death):

According to legend, Yama, the God of Death, lost his powers and came to Earth in the form of an ordinary human. This imbalance in the universe led everyone to seek Lord Shiva’s intervention.
Yama came to Kousikapuri, where Sage Viswamitra was performing penance. Yama wished to worship Lord Shiva but couldn’t find a Lingam. He used a stick to create a Lingam from the earth, spume, and sand, and then prayed.
As Yama (also called Kala) prayed to Lord Shiva, the deity came to be known as Kalakeswarar. Viswamitra informed Yama that he was blessed by the Lord, and Yama’s powers were restored.
The Lingam created by Yama was installed in the temple by Sage Viswamitra, and this temple is renowned for the redemption of Yama.

Dakshinamurthy and Guru Horai:

The temple is famous for its Dakshinamurthy idol, which is believed to be the largest in the country.
There is a small Lingam on top of the Dakshinamurthy idol.
Many people visit the temple to worship Dakshinamurthy, especially during Guru Horai, and participate in Lakshcharchanai during Guru Peyarchi.

Nanjundeswarar Shrine:

The temple has a shrine dedicated to Nanjundeswarar, and worshipping this deity is considered auspicious, particularly for those who have experienced snake or poisonous bites.

Murugan Shrine and Soorasamharam:

The Murugan shrine in the temple is also quite popular.
The festival of Soorasamharam, which is celebrated in the Tamil month of Ipasi (October-November), is a grand event at this temple.

Other Festivals:

Pradosham and Shivaratri are celebrated with devotion at the Kalakaleswarar Temple.

The temple holds cultural and religious significance and is known for its unique Lingam material and the legend of Yama’s redemption. Devotees and visitors frequent the temple to seek blessings, participate in festivals, and pay their respects to the deities.