Located amidst the tranquil expanse between Karaikudi and Tiruppattur in the Sivagangai district of Tamil Nadu lies the sacred enclave of Pillayarpatti, a revered sanctuary steeped in history and mystique. Here, ensconced within the embrace of time-honored traditions, stands the resplendent Sri Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, a beacon of spiritual enlightenment and divine grace.
Carved into the very heart of a venerable hill, this hallowed sanctuary bears witness to the ancient craftsmanship of bygone eras, adorned with intricate sculptures depicting the venerable Sri Karpaga Vinayagar and the revered lingam known as Sri Thiruveesar. A testament to the enduring legacy of the early Pandyas, who bestowed upon it the mantle of an "umbrella temple" some 2500 years ago.
Within its sacred precincts, whispers of antiquity echo through time, as evidenced by the discovery of fourteen inscriptions dating as far back as 500 BC to 1284 AD. These ancient relics unveil the names of Ekatur Thiruveingaikudi, Maruthangudi, and Rasa Narayanapuram, once whispered secrets of this historic township.
As the sands of time unfurl, the temple's legacy evolved, transitioning into the custodianship of its devoted denizens in AD 1284, a testament immortalized upon the hallowed walls of the Thiruveesar sanctum sanctorum. It is here that the name "Karpaga Ganesha" emerged, a moniker synonymous with boundless benevolence, akin to the fabled Karpaga tree, granting boons with but a whispered plea.
Noteworthy amidst the pantheon of Ganesha sculptures, the Pillayar Patti sanctuary stands as a testament to singular craftsmanship, its two-armed depiction a rarity echoed only by a distant counterpart in the far-flung reaches of Afghanistan. Yet, it is here, in the tranquil embrace of Pillayarpatti, that the sculptor's legacy endures, his signature etched in time, a testament to the enduring artistry of ancient Tamil calligraphy.
Adorned with the divine grace of a Valampuri Ganesha, facing the north with trunk bent to the right, Pillayarpatti emerges as a sanctum of unparalleled significance. Here, devotees flock in reverence, seeking the benedictions of Kathayini for marital bliss, the divine intervention of Pasupathiswarar for prosperity, and the boundless blessings bestowed by the Valampuri hymn.
Foremost among the sacred observances is the grandeur of Ganesha Chaturthi, a ten-day festival heralded by the devout, culminating in a crescendo of fervent devotion and joyous celebration. As pilgrims converge upon Pillayarpatti, fasting in solemn observance, they bask in the divine radiance of the first form of Pillayar to the world, the venerable Karpaga Vinayaka, whose blessings transcend time and space, illuminating the path of the faithful with unwavering grace. On the auspicious occasion of Vinayagar Chaturthi, devotees converge upon the sacred shrine of Karpaga Vinayagar, their hearts alight with fervent devotion and unwavering faith. With steadfast resolve, they embark on a solemn fast, abstaining from worldly indulgences as they partake in the sacred ritual of Kumba Japa.