This village, also known as Koil palayam, is about 20 kms from Coimbatore towards Satyamangalam on the Annur Road. In earlier times, the village was also known as Kavayamuttur or Kavaiyan Puttur. This lies on the northern bank of the seasonal Kaushika River, which originates from the Kurudi Mountains in the Western Ghats.
Kalakaleswarar Temple
This temple is said to be over 900-years-old.
Legend 1 – It is said that the presiding deity of this temple - Sivalinga - was installed by Yamadharmaraja (God of death) himself to appease Lord Shiva. Yama had invited Shiva’s wrath when he tried to take away the life of Markandeya, a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. Yama is said to have made this Shiva lingam by mixing sand and river water froth. Lord Yama was able to mollify the anger of the Lord Shiva with his worship. Hence, Yamadharmaraja, promises long life to those devotees who worship Shiva here.
Legend 2 - It is also believed that Kausika, also known as Viswamitra Maharishi had conducted a ‘yagya’ at the temple after taking a dip in the sacred Kausika river. The platform where the ‘yagya’ is believed to have taken place is still seen. Therefore, this place is also known as Kausikapuri
Temple - The temple has an historical significance because it was built by the Chola King Karikala Chola in the 12th Century. Like any other Chola temple, it is also a treasure of stone inscriptions and sculptural details. It has been built in the Somaskanda style of architecture.
The thirtham (Pond) near the temple is believed to have been created by Yama and is known as Yamadhada thirtham.
On entering this small temple, we see the shrines of Lord Surya (Sun) and Lord Chandra (Moon), on both sides, facing the Shiva. The Nandi outside is artfully made.
The Shiva linga is unique as the Peetham (base) is made of black stone while the Banam (upper portion) is made of white stone. It is believed that on top of the banam, a hidden white stone lies embedded and if one is not careful while touching it, the hands may get injured.
The shrines of God Shiva and Goddess Karunakara Valli face east. Between the two shrines, is the shrine of Lord Subramanyar along with Valli and Devayanai. Hence, the Lord Shiva here is also referred to as Somaskandar.
Legend 1 – It is said that the presiding deity of this temple - Sivalinga - was installed by Yamadharmaraja (God of death) himself to appease Lord Shiva. Yama had invited Shiva’s wrath when he tried to take away the life of Markandeya, a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. Yama is said to have made this Shiva lingam by mixing sand and river water froth. Lord Yama was able to mollify the anger of the Lord Shiva with his worship. Hence, Yamadharmaraja, promises long life to those devotees who worship Shiva here.
Legend 2 - It is also believed that Kausika, also known as Viswamitra Maharishi had conducted a ‘yagya’ at the temple after taking a dip in the sacred Kausika river. The platform where the ‘yagya’ is believed to have taken place is still seen. Therefore, this place is also known as Kausikapuri
Temple - The temple has an historical significance because it was built by the Chola King Karikala Chola in the 12th Century. Like any other Chola temple, it is also a treasure of stone inscriptions and sculptural details. It has been built in the Somaskanda style of architecture.
The thirtham (Pond) near the temple is believed to have been created by Yama and is known as Yamadhada thirtham.
On entering this small temple, we see the shrines of Lord Surya (Sun) and Lord Chandra (Moon), on both sides, facing the Shiva. The Nandi outside is artfully made.
The Shiva linga is unique as the Peetham (base) is made of black stone while the Banam (upper portion) is made of white stone. It is believed that on top of the banam, a hidden white stone lies embedded and if one is not careful while touching it, the hands may get injured.
The shrines of God Shiva and Goddess Karunakara Valli face east. Between the two shrines, is the shrine of Lord Subramanyar along with Valli and Devayanai. Hence, the Lord Shiva here is also referred to as Somaskandar.
In the outer prakaram is an artfully sculpted mandapam for the west facing Natarajar. The idol of Lord Natarajar is very nicely sculpted.
On the south side, the five and half feet idol of Lord Dhakshinamurthy, a prominent ‘prakaramurthy’ here, is a remarkable piece of sculptural aesthetics. It’s made of a single granite block. When tapped, it sounds like bronze. Dakshinamurthy is seen to be in deep medidation.
Shrines of Bhairavar and Navagrahas are also nearby. However, Guru (Jupiter) is in a different sanctum than the other planets.
Prayers – Abhisekam to Lord Shiva is performed only with oil, honey or panchamrutam. Milk, curd etc are not used because these may cause damage to the white lingam.
On the south side, the five and half feet idol of Lord Dhakshinamurthy, a prominent ‘prakaramurthy’ here, is a remarkable piece of sculptural aesthetics. It’s made of a single granite block. When tapped, it sounds like bronze. Dakshinamurthy is seen to be in deep medidation.
Shrines of Bhairavar and Navagrahas are also nearby. However, Guru (Jupiter) is in a different sanctum than the other planets.
Prayers – Abhisekam to Lord Shiva is performed only with oil, honey or panchamrutam. Milk, curd etc are not used because these may cause damage to the white lingam.
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