Karpaka Vinayaka Temple, one of the oldest cave temples in
Tamil Nadu, is located at
Pillaiyarpatti, about 14 km from
Karaikudi. This 1600-year-old shrine is dedicated to
Lord Ganesh, popularly known here as Karpaka Vinayaka or Desi Vinayaka Pillaiyar.
The temple enshrines a 6 ft idol of Karpaka Vinayaka. The deity faces north and is portrayed with two arms and a trunk curled towards his right, in the valampuri mode.
The temple houses rock cut images of Lord Shiva and Lingodbhavar, Marudankudi Eesar and his consort Vaadaamalar Mangai.
The pillars within the temple are of pre-Pallava origin. There are many inscriptions within this temple which dates back to AD 1091 and 1238.
The temple has two Rajagopuram, a vimana and a beautiful temple tank.
Vinayaka Chaturthi, celebrated here in the month of August and September for ten days, is a major draw.
Karaikudi Junction Railway Station and Pudukkottai Railway Station are the nearest railway stations.
