Pillayarpatty Ganapathy Temple

                                                                 

One of the oldest cave shrines of South India, Karpaga Vinayagar Temple at Pillayarpatti is dedicated to the Lord of Knowledge and the Remover of Obstacles- Ganapathi.

The temple which is currently undergoing renovation, doubtless captures the attention of the connoisseur in you with its stunning traditional architecture ,   murals and sculptures.

The cave itself is the Sanctum Sanctorum that enshrines the Karpaga Vinayagar.  Once inside temple,  you experience an ethereal atmosphere saturated with devotion, especially during the 'Deeparadhana',  when the tolling of the bells and drum beats from the 'Asura Vadyas' coupled with the incense of camphor and sandalwood  ,amid hundreds of kindled oil lamps, give you an  audible , olfactory and visual bliss .

The large temple pond with a roofed walkway around it is noteworthy.

A dried old trunk of 'Terminalia Arjuna'(Neermaruthu) tree- used in Ayurveda for treatment of heart ailments - preserved and worshipped in the temple is another interesting fact about this place of worship. A google search tells you this is among the favourite plants of Ganapathi.

There are several shops which sell pooja paraphernalia and memorabilia lining the road to the temple.

On your way back, do not forget to relish the famous Kumbakonum Degree Coffee at the brand's stall near the bus stand. It would be a perfect way to let your spiritual quest  segue back to the mundane journey that our life is.