History

Perur Pateeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located at Perur, in western part of Coimbatore in state of Tamil Nadu in India. The temple was built by Karikala Chola. The temple is located 7 km west of the Noyyal River and has been patronized by poets like Arunagirinathar and Kachiappa Munivar. Lord Shiva, known as ‘Patteeswarar’, is the presiding deity of this temple together with his consort Parvati, who is known as ‘Pachainayaki’. The deity is believed to be ‘Swayambu Lingam’ (self emerged). The pillars raised in this temple depict the architectural prowess of the Tamil sculptors.

Over the period of time, this temple is known by different names such as: Kamadenupuri, pattipuri, Adhipuri, Daksha Kailasham, Thavasiddhapuram, Gnanapuram, Kalyanapuram, Pirava Neri Thalam, Pasupathipuram, Western Chidambaram.
This ancient temple was built by king Karikala Chola. History reveals that, the great poet Sundarar, has sung the devotional ‘Devaram’ song in this temple by the 7th Century. During the rule of Raja Raja Chola, ‘Artha Mahal’ and ‘Maha Mahal’ were constructed. In addition to this, there were regular donations from the Chola king, which were documented on the temple walls.

From the 14th to 17th Centuries, it is to be noted that the kings from different dynasties like Hosala dynasty, Vijanagara Empire, Nayakkar Kings have contributed immense donations for the maintenance of this temple. The famous ‘Kanaga Sabha’ was built around the 17th century, by Azhagathiri Nayakkar of Madurai.

By the 18th Century AD, the primary deities were renovated and also a Mahal for the 63 Nayanmaars were raised. By the 20th century, the Kalyana Mahal and the front Mahal were constructed, and the tower was renovated as well.
This temple has several gopurams and halls, famous of which is, ‘Kanaka Sabha’, the one with the golden statue of Nataraja. The pillars have carvings of the various manifestations of Shiva and the ceiling has a series of stone chains.

There is a Patti Vinayagar shrine, dedicated to Ganesha. The Arasambalavanar Shrine dedicated to Shiva at the spot where Shiva is believed to have performed his Thandav under a peepul tree.There are also statues of Gajasamhara, Virabhadra, Bikshadana, Oordhva Thandava, Saraswati with Veena. The sacred trees associated with temple are the palm and tamarind trees, called Irava Panai and Pirava Puli.
Every year the temple celebrates a classical dance week, typically Bharata Natyam. The most prominent and talented dance schools of the city and even some from other cities take turns to awe the audience with their performance. The temple is believed to be one of the places where Shiva is believed to have performed Ananda Thandavam.