| Description:
The word Avinashi means that which is indestructible. This is one of the 7 Shivastalams in
Kongu Nadu; however this temple is better known as Karunaiyaaththaal temple.
Avinashi is also referred to in inscriptions as Dakshina Varanasi, Tiruppukkozhiyur etc.
Tirumular's Tirumantiram, Arunagirinathar's Tiruppugazh & Manikkavacakar's Tiruvacakam
refer to this shrine. This temple is regarded as the 1st of the 7
Tevara Stalams in the Kongu Region of Tamilnadu. History: Inscriptions here reveal that the
Cholas, Pandyas and the Hoysalas have made extensive endowments to the
temples.Sundaramoorthy Nayanar on his way to Tiruvanchikulam
is said to have miraculously rescued a boy from the clutches of a crocodile, in
Tamaraikkulam here & this event is commemorated during the 'Mudalai Vaai Pillai'
Utsavam on Panguni Uththiram. (The image shown above is a that of a panel in
the temple illustrating this incident). There is a shrine to Sundarar on the shore of the
Tamaraikkulam.
The Temple: .Ambal's sanctum is to the right of Avinasiappar's
sanctum, unlike that in most templesThe Kasi Gangai Theertham - in the form of a well is
considered to be of significance. The Kaalabhairavar shrine in this temple is held in
reverence. Kaala Bhairavar is worshipped here with offerings of Vadai Maalai.
Architecture: This temple with 2 prakarams is adorned with the
Navaranga Mandapam in the inner prakaram. The mandapam in front of Ambal's sanctum has
interesting sculptural work. The large nandi here, and the carved image of a scorpion in
the Ambal sanctum are of significance here. Several other carvings here deserve
attention.Avinashiappar temple is a protected monument under the Archeological survey of
India.
Festivals: The annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of
Chittirai.The festival chariot here is said to be on par with Tiruvarur.
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