Description
Karur is one amongst the 7 Shiva shrines in the Kongu region, this Pasupatheeswarar temple is regarded as the primary one. King Musukunda who ruled this region during the Skandapurana times, is said to have been the main force behind the reconstruction and regeneration of the temple. Legend has it that the king received a note asking him to attend the celestial marriage of Lord Muruga which took place at Thiruparankundram next to Madurai. The temple is located in the heart of the Karur town. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva who is also known as Pasupatheeswarar, Pasupathi, and Aanilai Appar. His consort, Goddess Parvati is called as Alankaravalli, Krupa Nayaki and Soundarya Nayaki. The sthala Virutcham (temple tree) is Vanji and theertham Thadaagai theertham. The river Amaravathi, which is a tributary of Cauvery flows through the town. The history of the temple dates back to thousand years old.
History
According to history, Lord Brahma the initiator the universe once grew to be overconfident of his position. On learning of this, Lord Shiva sent the holy cow Kamadhenu to this place with Sage Naradha to carry out penance for him. Sage Naradha decided to perform the Yagna then.It was an area that had a forest cover and many Vanji trees. A celestial voice advised the holy cow Kamadhenu to offer prayers that was concealed under an anthill, which means Puttru in Tamil. Acting on the advice, Kamadhenu poured her milk on Lord Shiva who was then under cover. At the time of moving her hoof, a part of the lingam was accidentally damaged and blood began to pour out of the Lingam. Upon seeing this, Kamadhenu asked Lord Shiva to forgive her. Lord Shiva consoled her and conceded her request. A temple was built at this very spot under Kamadhenu and the god here is known as Pasupathi Nathar. All the work was completed without taking any help from Lord Brahma and he realized his mistake. He got his powers back after worshipping Lord Shiva and returned to his place with the holy cow Kamadhenu.
Importance/Significance
The temple is very famous and there are no words to describe its beauty and the Lord. This place was once the headquarters of the Chola kingdom and one of their kins named Pugazh Chola Nayanara governed this place. Eripatha Nayanar, Sivakami Ammaiyar and Karuvur Thevar staunch followers of Lord Shiva are from this place. Karuvur Sithar , one among the eighteen sithars entered the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva through Lord Aanilayappar. The Lingam here is born from the earth on its own and without any assistance, which means Swayambumurthi in Tamil. Lord Brahma the creator was the first devotee to offer his prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple has separate shrine for all gods that exist in all the Shiva temples.The temple has a special feature as one can see the Lingam from a leaning stance. For 5 days in a year the sun rays fall on the Lord Shiva during Masi (February -March).
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
The important festivals are Panguni uthiram, Arudra darshan, Pradhosham Pooja and Mahashivratri. Many famous Tamil Poets like Saint Thirugnana Sambandhar, Karuvur Thevar and Arunagirinathar sung poems in praise of the Lord.
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