Perur Pateeswarar Temple, located 8 km west of Coimbatore on the Pollachi Road, is one of the most historically significant temples in the Coimbatore district. It is a Paadal Petra Sthalams — a Shiva temple glorified in the Thevaram hymns by the Tamil Nayanmars — making it a sacred site for Saivites across the world.
The Presiding Deity
The main deity is Sri Pateeswarar (Shiva), also known as Natarajar Perur, with the consort Periya Nayaki Amman. The famous Nataraja (Ananda Tandava) bronze sculpture in this temple is considered an exceptional work of Chola artistry.
The lingam is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) lingam and is believed to be one of the oldest in the region.
Historical Significance
The temple’s history spans over 1,000 years:
- Chola Period (9th–13th CE): Core shrine constructed during Chola rule; mentioned in Thevaram by Thirugnana Sambandar and Sundarar
- Vijayanagara Period (14th–17th CE): Major renovation and addition of the gopuram (tower) and mandapams
- Perur Puranam: A Tamil religious text entirely dedicated to the glory of this temple
The temple complex has several mandapams including the Kanaka Sabha (golden hall), Chitra Sabha, and the main Maha Mandapam.
Nataraja Sculpture
Perur is particularly celebrated for its Nataraja in Ananda Tandava pose — a bronze idol that art historians regard as among the finest Chola period bronzes. During the annual Arudra Darshan festival (Margali month), the Nataraja is processed in a palanquin and thousands gather for darshan.
Festivals at Perur Temple
Arudra Darshan (December/January): The most important festival, celebrating Shiva’s cosmic dance. Enormous crowds from across South India attend.
Panguni Brahmotsavam (March/April): 10-day festival with chariot procession and special alankaram poojas.
Karthigai Somavaram (November/December): Mondays in the Tamil month of Karthigai are especially auspicious at Perur.
Maha Shivaratri: All-night puja with thousands of devotees.
How to Reach Perur Temple
- By bus: Frequent TNSTC buses to Perur from Gandhipuram Bus Stand, Ukkadam Bus Stand, and Coimbatore Junction. Journey: 25–35 minutes.
- By auto/cab: Auto from city ₹150–₹200; cab ₹200–₹300.
- By two-wheeler: 20 minutes from city centre via Pollachi Road.
The temple has a large parking area outside the entrance for cars and two-wheelers.
Contact
Temple office: 0422-2690516
