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Coimbatore is frequently branded as the ‘Manchester of South India’. It is not only an industrial town but also a site with numerous temples which are cultural and architectural heritages. These temples owing to their finely detailed engravings and embedded histories can showcase the sculptural and the religious aspects. These ancient temples of Coimbatore reflect the heritage of Tamil Nadu which has been in existence for many years. They act as centers of worship as well as aid in the preservation of cultures that draw pilgrims and tourists.
Top 10 Ancient Temples In Coimbatore
Let’s explore the ancient temples in Coimbatore that make temple tourism in Tamil Nadu rewarding while displaying the spiritual heritage:
1. Arulmigu Patteeswarar Swamy Temple
Photo: Balajijagadesh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Arulmigu Patteeswarar Swamy Temple, known locally as Perur Pateeswarar temple, is a Hindu temple in Perur. This is one of the ancient Shiva temples in Coimbatore. This temple, built in the 2nd century CE by Chola emperor Karikala, is famous for its beautiful Dravidian architecture and sculptural work. The main deity is Swayambu Lingam, and also the temple has a unique footprint scar of the divine cow Kamadhenu on the lingam idol. The temple premises consist of several gopurams (towers) and mandapas. The ceilings have stone chains hanging vertically and the walls have beautiful sculptures of different forms of Shiva.
Location: Perur, Coimbatore
Timings: 5 AM – 1 PM; 4 PM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free for normal darshan; special darshan costs ₹20
Major Festivals: Margazhi Thiruvathirai (December-January) and Panguni Uthiram (March-April)
2. Marudhamalai Hill Temple
Photo: Ramana / Wikimedia Commons
Marudhamalai Hill Temple, in honor of Lord Murugan, is one of the ancient hindu temples in Coimbatore, situated on the hill of Marudhamalai. This ancient temple that is still in use today is of the 12th Century form and has an engrossing Dravidian edifice and secluded atmosphere. The chief deity, Dandayuthapani, is worshiped here, along with other deities including Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in their respective temples. There are also delightful views of the surrounding area as one climbs the hill, the destination being about 600 feet high. The cuisine is served in the temple of Murugan on the hill at the time of the Thai Poosam and Panguni Uthiram festivals.
Location: About 15 km from Coimbatore Railway Station and 25 km from Coimbatore Airport
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM; 4 PM – 7 PM
Best Time To Visit: October to March for pleasant weather
3. Arulmigu Koniamman Temple
Photo: Booradleyp1 / Wikimedia Commons
Arulmigu Koniamman Temple is one of the temples dedicated to Goddess Koniamman, a ferocious incarnation of the Divine Mother. The temple is one of the best examples of the exquisite Dravidian style of architecture. It has an enormous 86-foot tall gopuram entrance tower which is embellished with stucco figurines in almost real color. People come here to seek the blessings of the goddess for their health, wealth and their families. It is more so on Tuesdays and Fridays when a lot of people throng the temple as they feel all their sicknesses will be healed by the goddess. In the main shrine, the idol of Koniamman is wrapped in silk and decorated with fresh flowers.
Location: Ukkadam, Coimbatore
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM; 4 PM – 9 PM
Major Festivals: Oonjal festival during the Aadi month (July-August) and the annual car festival
4. Eachanari Vinayagar Temple
Photo: Magentic Manifestations / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is another temple of significance for devotees of Lord Ganesha. The temple is also known for its 6-foot tall Vinayaga idol which is brought from Madurai to Perur Patteeswarar Temple. Thus, a temple was built at that place where the idol was fixed. This temple has a beautiful Dravidian architectural design with elaborately carved stone pillars and a tall gopuram which has pictures of many gods. There are always pujas like the Ganapathy Homam done by the priests, which also have many devotees who want success and the removal of hurdles in their path.
Location: Pollachi Main Road, Eachanari, Coimbatore
Timings: Opens daily from 5 AM to 10 PM
Major Festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali
5. Palamalai Ranganathar Temple
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
Palamalai Ranganathar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganath, who is one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The ancient temple is also located in the beautiful Western Ghats that helps in meditation. This temple has a beautiful gopuram and is set in a greenery. Also, according to local stories, this temple is also called due to the Gandharva who was cursed and had to be redeemed. It’s a famous temple for helping the ill and the unfortunate as well. The primary deity has been placed in an orientation standing looking towards the east and there are additional shrines for other gods present at the temple premises.
Location: Near Kovanur, off Coimbatore-Mettupalayam NH 181
Timings: 5:30 AM – 8 PM
Major Festivals: Brahmotsavam in Chitrai and Thai Pongal
6. Avinashi Lingeshwarar Temple
Photo: Babayaga007 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Avinashi Lingeshwarar Temple is an ancient and famous Hindu temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the incarnation worshiped at this temple is known as Avinasiappar, representing the eternal essence of God. The temple is said to have existed during the Chola period but has seen several upgrades. The temple is built in a beautiful style called Dravidian architecture and boasts a seven-tiered gopuram extending more than 100 feet high. Inside the sanctum is a Swayambu Lingam and to the right of it is Karunambikai’s shrine. An interesting feature of this temple is the story of Sundarar attached to it who is venerated during the Mudalai Vaai Pillai Utsavam for saving a child from a crocodile womb.
Location: Mangalam Road, Avinashi
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM; 4 PM – 8 PM
Major Festivals: Panguni Uthiram and Brahmotsavam
7. Sidhapudur Sree Ayyappa Temple
Photo: Michael Coghlan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sidhapudur Sree Ayyappa Temple is an important temple for the followers of Hinduism situated in the Siddhapudur where Lord Ayyappa is worshiped. This temple was built in the mid-20th century by the Sri Dharma Sastha Bhakta Jana Sabha. The temple has a somewhat unique architecture as it has a sloping rooftop which is associated with the Kerala-style temples as opposed to the pyramidal-shaped towers. Within are shrines to Ganesha, Murugan and other deities and a Navagraha shrine. The temple is particularly lively during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
Location: New Siddhapudur, Coimbatore
Timings: Open daily from 5 AM to 11 PM
Major Festivals: Makaravilakku and Karthikai Deepam
8. Kottai Easwaran Temple
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kottai Easwaran Temple or Kottaiyur Kodeeswarar Temple is a famous temple dedicated to lord Shiva. This is quite an old temple which is said to have been constructed in the Chola period and is popular because of its religious and historical importance. The temple has a five-tiered Raja Gopuram (gateway tower) which is very beautiful and decorative and is placed at the entrance of the temple. Inside it, there is a granite Shiva Lingam, a temple namely for every other deity including Vinayagar and Murugan. The temple also holds many fine works of art such as reliefs of carvings and sculptures that help to enhance the beauty of the temple.
Location: Kottaiyur, Coimbatore District
Timings: Open daily from 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM
Major Festivals: Maha Shivaratri and the annual Brahmotsavam
9. Sri Jayamangala Anjaneyar Thirukoil
Photo: Booradleyp / Wikimedia Commons
Sri Jayamangala Anjaneyar Thirukoil in Idugampalayam near Coimbatore is one of the renowned Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This temple has a beautiful idol of Lord Anjaneyar which is carved from a single stone and is the craftsmanship of Vyasa Raya. The temple architecture resembles the architectural grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire with elaborate and rich designs and paintings. The temple has other deities and therefore besides Hanuman, there are also temples for Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha, making this a Lokeshwaric temple. The serenity and the spiritual significance of the temple draw many people who wish to be blessed with strength and guarding abilities.
Location: Idukampalayam, Coimbatore
Timings: Open daily from 5 AM to 9 PM
Major Festivals: Hanuman Jayanti and special poojas conducted on Tuesdays and Saturdays
10. Dhyanalinga Temple
Photo: Balajijagadesh / Wikimedia Commons
Dhyanalinga Temple which is situated inside the Isha Yoga Center Coimbatore is a meditative space meant for inner transformation. The temple comprises a huge dome filled with a 13-foot-tall granite lingam which is capable of facilitating deep meditation. It is open to all people regardless of religion and rather encourages stillness and self-reflection. As soon as a person steps in, he is asked to strap on a timer for about 15 minutes and to exit only when the bell goes off, leading to the dependency of the person on external timekeeping devices rather than himself. From Dhyana Lingam temple, there are three pools of water called Chandra Kund, Surya Kund, and Nandi filled with mercury lingams where lingams are placed as well, increasing spirituality.
Location: Siruvani Main Road, Perur, Coimbatore
Timings: 6:15 AM – 1 PM; 4 PM – 9 PM
Special Features: Nada Aradhana music offering occurs twice daily, enhancing the meditative experience
Ancient temples in Coimbatore are more milestones of history, culture and architecture than places of worship. Each temple has its offerings related to the spiritual history of the land as well as opportunities for the people to engage with the religion and its deities. Preparing for the sacred sites in this region, those who are inclined to Tamil Nadu’s cultural history will not be disappointed. Plan your visit with TripXL to appreciate the tranquility that these old temples provide.
Cover Photo: Bankj / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
