When it comes to Southern India, there are things beyond backwaters and coast shores. The culture-rich temples and the local towns offer an experience that is hard to match anywhere else in the world. Vairavanpatti is one such town that showcases such a prolific vibe of heritage and culture, mainly through its temple. The area is important not just for tourism, but for maintaining the culture of the state as well. This blog will let you know all about this village and what makes it special. Read on and you will surely be adding a short trip to Vairavanpatti to your next travel itinerary
Overview Of Vairavanpatti- Discovering Indian Roots
In Tamil Nadu, Sivaganga district, the village of Vairavanpatti is situated en route to Madurai and Karaikudi. The temple honouring Lord Kala Bhairav—known as Vairavan in Tamil—is the source of the village’s name. The village of Pillayarpatti, another well-known pilgrimage site, is 2 kilometres away. It is one of the nine temples that the Tamil Nadu Nagarathar Chettiar community regards with great respect. Lord Valaroli Nathar and his consort Vadivudai Ammai are the ruling deities in this place. Because of Bhairavar’s prominence in this area, Vairavan-patti is the name given in the Tamil language. The town is accessible from the old bus stand in Karaikudi. All local buses that run between Tirupattur and Ponnamaravati stop at Vairavanpatti.
Also Read: Zon Aog Church
Places To Visit In Vairavanpatti
The Vairavanpatti is famous for its fair share of beautiful temples and tourist spots. Let’s know about them one by one:
1. Vairavanswamy Temple
Vairavanpatti is a charming town known for the third-largest Shiva temple in the world, Vairavanswamy, which is looked for by the Nagarathar Chettiars. Originating in the eighth century, the temple saw a transformation from a mud structure to an impressive stone edifice in the eighteenth century, embellished with fascinating Puranic tale-themed sculptures and paintings. Rich in mythology, the temple honours Vairavar, also known as Bhairavar, who is connected to a story about Parvathi, Brahma, and Shiva.
Also known as Vairavanpatti Temple, the complex is a stunning five-tiered Rajagopuram located within a 500-year-old temple. Here, Lord Shiva takes on the shape of Bhairava, while the Goddess Ambika is revered in a temple. The temple is also one of the Ashta Bhairava Sthalams. The temple has a history that extends over 1200 years. The “Seven Note Pillar” in this temple honours the excellence of sculpture. According to the Purana, Tiruppathur is regarded as Vairavar’s hometown, Vairavanpatti as his heart, and Illupaikudi as his padasthanam. This temple specialises in biblical art. This is a significant Bhairava temple.
Location: near Karaikudi, Sivagangai District of Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
2. Karpaka Vinayakar Temple
Image Credit: Ms Sarah Welch for Wikimedia Commons
Karpaka Vinayaka is a 7th-century rock-cut cave temple also called Pillaiyarpatti Pillaiyar Temple. The complex underwent substantial expansions in recent years. It honours Karpaka Vinayakar, often known as Ganesha. Images of Ganesha and Shiva linga, as well as another carving that has been variously identified as Ardhanarishwara, Harihara, or the early monarch who constructed this temple, can be found inside the cave temple. These are all noteworthy due to their distinctive iconography. Panchaloga statues were found in the late 1800s during restorative excavation and repair work. They date back to the eleventh century.
Numerous inscriptions may be seen inside the rock-cut shrines of the temple, as well as on the walls and mandapam outside. One of them refers to “Desi vinayakar” and assists in placing the temple’s central layer around the time of Ganesha in the seventh century. There is another noteworthy inscription in the sanctuary that is more archaic and shares palaeographic characteristics with early Vatteluttu and Tamil Brahmi. This has given rise to theories suggesting that parts of this Ganesha temple are perhaps many centuries older, making tourists attracted to this spot.
Location: P.K.NK.TRUST, Koil Road, Koothadipatti, Pillayarpatti, Tamil Nadu 630207
Timings: 6:00 am to 8:30 pm
Related Post: Tiger Hill Cemetery
3. Thirumayam Fort
Image Credit: Thiyagarajan for Wikimedia Commons
Located in the town of Thirumayam along the Pudukkottai-Karaikudi Highway in Pudukkottai District, Thirumama Fort is just 22km from Vairavanpatti. It is a 40-acre wide. The Ramnad Raja, Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi, built it in 1687. The Archaeological Survey of India carried out major renovations to the fort in 2012. Only four of the fort’s alleged seven circular walls remain intact now, from its original configuration as a “ring fort.” Because tiny stone blocks were utilised in addition to bricks to build the fortification, the fort’s construction is of lower quality.
Three entrances lead to the fort: one on the north, one on the south, and one on the east. On the southern side are the shrines honouring the fort’s guardian deities, Hanuman, Sakthi, Ganapathi, and Karuppar; on the northern side is the temple honouring Bhairava. A chamber that served as a magazine was visible halfway up on the right side. This chamber is opposite a rock-cut cell with a linga on yonipitha, its spout supported by a dwarf figure, on the western slope of a boulder. There is a bastion with British-made artillery on the rock. A natural pond is south of this platform. Two rock-cut temples may be found on the southern slope. The more significant of the two is dedicated to Sri Sathyagireeswarar-Sri Venuvaneeswari (Saivite) and Sri Sathyamurthy-Sri Uyyavanda Nachiar (Vaishnavite). There’s another tank to the southeast and another pond to the northwest. Six additional cannons are positioned at the east, south, and north gates.
Location: Bidari Amman Nagar, 3/60E, near Bairavar Kovil, Tirumayam, Tamil Nadu 622507
Timings: 10:00 to 5:00 pm
4. Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
Image Credit: Barkave Balusamy for Wikimedia Commons
Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, a well-liked tourist destination in Madurai, is connected to the Vandiyur Mariamman Temple and is close to Vairavanpatti. The temple is a complex of ponds with an artificial island in the centre that is mostly utilised for religious activities. Situated just two kilometres away from the renowned Meenakshi Sundareswara Temple, it also draws large crowds of pilgrims. The River Vaigai supplies water to this temple tank, which is regarded as one of the biggest in South India and Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Vinayaka, also known as Lord Ganesha, the temple pond was constructed in 1645 AD during the reign of Thirumalai Nayak. Granite steps encircle the pond on all four sides. King Thirumalai Nayak constructed the temple and the long steps that circle the pond.
Behind Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, there are legends and tales that make this a travel-worthy attraction. The sand was scooped out of this tank to obtain the soil needed to make bricks, so the narrative goes, in order to build Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal. As a result, people view the palace as being blessed. An idol of Lord Ganesh was found while the excavation was underway. The temple contains an enshrinement of the same idol. Later on, this land was developed into Teppakulam, which is connected to the River Vaigai by subterranean passageways. During the Teppoothsavam/float festival, a temple celebration, this site takes on a more vibrant and spiritual aspect. It is stated that this event has been observed ever since Thirumalai Nayak’s rule. The purpose of this celebration is to honour King Thirumalai Nayak’s birthday. The temple is illuminated with thousands of lamps during the celebration. On a night with a full moon, it is observed.
Location: 5 km away from the Madurai Meenakshi Temple
Timings: open 24 hours
You May Also Like To Read: Hotels In Vadavalli
Lace up your boots and follow the culture-kissed paths of Vairavanpatti. In the mid-way, you will find plenty of historical tales, surprising facts and beautiful locals to share your journey with. Plan your trip to Tamil Nadu and start it with a culture-show by visiting the town of Vairavanpatti.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit : Cvcs84 for Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions About Vairavanpatti
What is Vairavanpatti famous for?
For most of the part, the peaceful town of Vairavapatti is famous for the world-known Vairavan Swamy temple. This is the third-largest Shiva Temple, well-preserved by the Nagarathar Chettiars. Having said that, there’s no doubt that the temple portrays beautiful architecture and robust construction.
Are there good restaurants in Vairavanpatti?
Yes, there are plenty of local eateries, joints, and restaurants in this town. You can enjoy the local food here and even try out some extraordinary recipes.
How is the weather in Vairavanpatti?
The weather is usually warm here. During monsoon, the temperature becomes mild and humid while summers make the days quite dry.
What is the distance between Vairavanpatti and Madurai?
The total distance between Vairavanpatti and Madurai is 73.7km.
What is the nearest railway station in Vairavanpatti?
The nearest railway station is Karaikkudi Junction Rail Way which is around 17 km far from Vairavanpatti town.
People Also Read:
Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.
