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| Karur Pasupateeswarar temple TNyoutube.com |
The Pasupateeswarar temple in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is one of the seven important Siva sthalams of Kongu Nadu and has a long history of devotion, architecture, and legend associated with it. Karur, earlier known as Karuvoor, has been a sacred place visited by saints such as Sambandar and Sundarar, who composed Thevaram hymns here. The temple is closely connected with the saint Karoorar, a revered Siddhar, who was said to have played an important role in installing the massive Shiva Linga at the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur.
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| Karur Pasupateeswarar temple en.wikipedia.org |
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| Karur Pasupateeswarar temple en.wikipedia.org |
The very name of the town Karur is believed to be derived from him. The presiding deity of the temple is Pasupateeswarar, also known as Aanilaiappar, enshrined in a swayambhu lingam form. A distinctive feature of the temple is that the consort of Shiva is worshipped in two forms, Sundaravalli and Alankaravalli, with Sundaravalli’s shrine facing south, an uncommon architectural feature in South Indian temples. The temple covers an area of 2.65 acres and has a majestic eastern gopuram rising to about 120 feet, adorned with elaborate sculptures of mythological figures. The temple has two prakarams and a massive mandapam supported by a hundred intricately carved stone pillars, a fine example of Tamil stone artistry. The sanctum is constructed in such a way that during the Tamil month of Panguni, around mid-March to mid-April, the rays of the sun fall directly on the lingam for three consecutive days, a rare alignment reflecting the astronomical knowledge of the temple builders. The major festivals are Navaratri in September,and Arudra Darisanam in anuary.The annual Brahmotsavam is held in Panguni.
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| Lingam Karur Pasupateeswarar temple.rvatemples.com |
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| Karur Dist. Map, Tamil Nadu |
The mythology of the temple centers around Kamadhenu, the divine cow, who was sent by Shiva to Vanji forest in Karur to continue the process of creation when Brahma had faltered in his duties. Kamadhenu worshipped the hidden lingam in the forest by offering abhishekam with milk, but one day accidentally struck the lingam with her hoof, leaving a scar still visible on the idol. Pleased with her devotion, Shiva declared that he would be known as Pasupateeswarar here, thus sanctifying the place. Later, a repentant Brahma performed penance at the site, and Shiva restored his role as Creator. The temple tank is named Brahma Theertham in memory of this event.
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| Interior, Karur Pasupateeswarar temple.tripadvisor.in/ |
The temple is vibrant with rituals and festivals, the most important being the annual Brahmotsavam held in Panguni, when thousands of devotees participate in the celebrations. Other major observances include Navaratri in September and Arudra Darisanam in January, which draw pilgrims from across Tamil Nadu. The temple is also known for its cultural activities, music, and recitations of Thevaram during these occasions. In recent times, the temple has seen improved facilities for pilgrims through schemes under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, which manages its administration. Renovations have been undertaken to preserve the ancient structures, and digital initiatives have been introduced for devotees to access information about temple services.
Karur today is a major textile and industrial hub, but the temple continues to stand as the town’s spiritual center, linking its people with a heritage that stretches back to the Sangam age. Well connected by road and rail, with Karur Junction linking it to Tiruchirappalli and Erode, the temple remains easily accessible to visir temple continues to be a beacon of Shaivite worship in Kongu Nadu.
Sources:
https://vushii.com/place.php?name=Arulmigu%20Kalyana%20Pasupatheswarar%20Temple
https://www.rvatemples.com/listings/arulmigu-kalyana-pasupatheswarar/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasupateeswarar_temple,_Karur
http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.in/2015/11/pasupatheeswarar-temple-karur.html
