Kalakaleswarar Temple

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Overview

Kaalakaaleswarar is 25 km away from Coimbatore at Kovilpalayam in Coimbatore District. Lord Shiva is the principal deity of the temple. This temple is nearly 2000 years old. History is that Yamaraja dedicated a shivlingam and prayed here to get absolved from the punishment of Lord Shiva. As Shiva is said to be the master of Yama (Kalan), the temple got its name as Kaalakaaleswarar temple. Marriage Pariharams, 60th , 80th anniversaries is also done grand on prior booking. One can reach the temple from Coimbatore by any bus towards Annur, It is just behind the main Bus stop.

About The Temple

The Kaalakaleshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is built by Cholas during 8th century A.D, lies on the banks of the Kousika River at Kovilpalayam. Dakshinamoorthy statue in this temple is believed to be the largest Dakshinamoorthy statue in Asia. The temple is very old one about 1300 years. The temple is in Govinda puram about 20kms distance from Coimbatore. Travel through Coimbatore to Sathyamangalam Route about 20 kms, we reach Govindapuram. Here take the back road of bus stand to reach the temple.Temple main entrance. We find Deepa sthambam erected in the centre of a mandapam. As we enter inside through main entrance we see Nandi in small mandapam and main sanctum of Sri Kalakaleswrar in Linga form. Nandi used to be in green colour like Emerald, with same qualities. Now it is not in that colour.

About The Deity

Main Deity is Siva Lingam known as Kalakaleswarar with his consort known as Karunakara Valli in different sanctum. The Siva Lingam is made of spume. So, here in the temple they do not use Curd, Ghee and Panchaamritham for Abishekam. This Siva Lingam was worshiped by Yama and it was installed in this place by Viswamitra Muni. Other deities seen in the temple are Kanni Moola Ganapathy, Lingothbavar as koshta moorthy. On top of Guru Dakshina Moorthy, there is a Siva Lingam. Lord Subramanyar sanctum is in-between Lord Siva and Ambal sanctum in the form of Somaskandam. Subramanyar is known as Kala Subramanyar.

Significance

Nanjundeswarar in a mandapam and Navagraham. Devotees worship Nanjundeswarar with coconut water for to get rid of the effect of poison.

Legend and Stories

Sthala Purna says Markandeya life span was only 16 years. His father was worried as Markandeya was growing old. When he learnt about his father’s mental worry he started worshiping Lord Siva. On the last day of his life Markandeya was in Thirukadayoor Temple, with his hands around he tied Siva Lingam and surrendered. Yama tried to take away his life. Lord Siva got angry by Yama’s act and he kicked Yama. Due to this Yama came to Boolokam as an ordinary person. Yama went to Kowsika puri to worship Lord Siva to get back to his previous assignment. Here in Kowsika puri to worship Lord Siva, he did not find any stone, Rudraksam or Vibuthi to perform pooja.

Yama took a stick and pierced it in the ground. Spume came up and he mixed sand with it and made a Siva Lingam and started his worship. Nearby Viswamithra Muni was in penance. Viswamitra muni told Yama by his Siva Pooja his curse has vanished. Yama left for heaven. Viswamitra Muni installed the Siva Lingam which was left there by Yama. The temple was constructed in later years. Performing Santhi Homam on their Sashti aptha poorthy (completion of 60th birthday), Beemradha Santhi (70th), Sadabishekam (80th) and Kanakabishekam (100th) in this temple is considered good.

Festivals

People from all over Tamil Nadu and from other states visit this temple on Pradosham day and festivals. Another festival, Sura Samharam, for Lord Muruga, takes place after the week of Deepavali festival which is a very famous festival around the area.

Poojas Timing

Vishaesha Pooja Days

Thursday

Morning 6.00 a.m. Guru Horaill Sri Dhatchanamoorthyku Special pooja.

Pradhosam

Evening 4.00 P.m. To 6.00 P.m. Nandhi Emperumanukku Abishekam Pradhosa Nayakar Purappadu.

Significance

Nanjundeswarar in a mandapam and Navagraham. Devotees worship Nanjundeswarar with coconut water for to get rid of the effect of poison.

How To Reach Coimbatore

Coimbatore International Airport is located at a distance of about 15 km from the city centre. Coimbatore Junction railway station is the main railhead that serves the city. Several state and private run buses operate from Coimbatore, connecting the city to other important Indian cities and towns.

Temple Address