Origin/History :-
The Avinashiappar Temple, an important Paadal Petra Shiva Temple, is believed to have existed since before the 7th century. It is located in Avinashi, which was once known as Thiruppukoliyur. Over time, the temple underwent significant expansions and developments under various dynasties, including the Cholas, Kongu Cholas, Pandyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagaras, and Nayaks.
Inscriptions found at the temple date back to the time of Kulothunga Chozha I (1152 AD) and continue through the reigns of several other rulers, such as Veera Rajendran (1222 AD), Vikrama Chozha III (1267 AD), Kongu Pandyan Sundara Pandyan (14th century), the Hoysalas (14th century), and Vijayanagar Achutharayar (1538 AD). Other inscriptions from the 16th and 17th centuries, written in Kanada and Nandhi Nagari, reveal various donations and temple-related activities.
The inscriptions describe Lord Shiva as Avinashialudaiyar, Avinashi Aludaiya Nayanar, and the goddess as Kamakottathu Perungkarunai Nayagi. They also detail numerous charitable acts and temple maintenance efforts, such as:
- The donation of Vadaparisara Nattu Alathur village to the temple.
- The donation of 30 cows by a king for the Arthajama pooja and the burning of a perpetual lamp.
- Allowing Parpanars (priests) to use fine silk and Kerala-style umbrellas and to conduct a horse procession for marriages.
- Donations made by Queen Chilambazhvi, wife of Veerarajendran, for land and the temple's upkeep.
- The provision for Shiva Bramanas to oversee the temple treasury and make up for any shortfall by selling their right to perform pooja.
- Funds allocated for the perpetual lamp and various other rituals.
- Mentions of Thirukanaper (Kalayar Koil) and the installation of a copper statue of Manickavasagar.
Puranic Significance :-
An interesting and significant legend associated with the Avinashiappar Temple involves the renowned saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar (Sundarar). While on his way to meet King Cheraman Perumal at Thiruvanchikulam, Sundarar passed through Avinashi and heard conflicting sounds from two neighboring houses. One house was filled with joy and celebration, while the other was immersed in sorrow and mourning.
Upon inquiring, Sundarar learned that three years earlier, two boys of the same age had gone to bathe in the nearby tank. One of them was tragically devoured by a crocodile, while the other survived. The surviving boy was to have his Upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony) that very day, which explained the celebrations in his house. Meanwhile, the other house mourned the loss of their son, believing that they too would have been celebrating if the boy had not been taken by the crocodile.
Moved by the situation, Saint Sundarar immediately went to the temple and prayed fervently to Lord Shiva. He implored the Lord to command the crocodile to return the boy it had swallowed three years ago. Sundarar composed a soulful Pathigam (hymn), pleading with Lord Shiva to resurrect the child. As Sundarar sang the fourth stanza, his prayers were miraculously answered. To the astonishment of everyone around, water began to flow into the dry tank, and a crocodile emerged, ejecting a full-grown boy, now seven years old.
In an act of divine grace, Sundarar took the boy to his parents, who were overwhelmed with joy. The saint then arranged for the boy’s Upanayanam, ensuring that the joyous occasion could be celebrated as originally intended.
This miraculous event highlights the divine powers of Lord Shiva and the compassion of Saint Sundarar, further enhancing the spiritual significance of the Avinashiappar Temple.