Karpaka Vinayakar Temple, Hindu temple in Pillaiyarpatti, Tamil Nadu, India
Karpaka Vinayakar Temple is a Hindu temple in Pillaiyarpatti, Tamil Nadu, India. The shrine is carved from rock and encloses a granite Ganesha figure standing over 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall with a trunk curving to the right and two arms.
The site was established in the seventh century under Pandya rule and later expanded with additional halls and inscriptions. Numerous stone inscriptions in Tamil Brahmi script point to even earlier use of the cave.
The name Karpaka comes from a celestial wish-fulfilling tree, reflecting the belief that prayers offered here are answered. Priests perform several daily rituals during which devotees bring coconuts and place red flowers before the statue.
The site lies about 75 kilometers (47 miles) northeast of Madurai on National Highway 36 and is open to visitors during morning and evening hours. Allow enough time inside the cave for your eyes to adjust to the low light.
The shape of the cave prevents visitors from performing the usual ritual walk around the deity, which is otherwise common in Hindu temples. During ceremonial washings the golden coating is removed, revealing the original granite beneath.
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