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Nestled amidst the mesmerizing Western Ghats, along the banks of a river Noyyal, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is the beautiful city of Coimbatore. A blend of traditional, yet cosmopolitan and urban conglomeration inhabits the land which has a famous reputation for entrepreneurship. The city is one of the biggest exporters of jewelry, auto components, wet grinders, and poultry in India. So much so, that ‘Coimbatore Wet Grinder’ and ‘Kovai Cora Cotton’ are recognized by the Government of India as ‘geographical indicators’.
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One of India’s most popular religious sites, the 11th-century Perur Patteeswarar built temple was built by King Karikala Chola. Shiva is worshipped as Patteeswarar, the presiding deity, in the form of a swayambhu lingam (self-manifested form). A striking feature is the footprints of Kamadenu cow on the head of Patteeswarar. His consort Parvati is worshipped as Pachainayaki. The most famous gopuram (hall) is the ‘Kanaka Sabha’, which houses a golden Nataraja statue. The temple is known for the exquisite pillars with intricate carvings of different forms of Shiva. Patteeswarar temple has been praised by legendary poets Arunagirinathar and Kachiappa Munivar. As per legend, the spot of Arasambalavanar shrine is where Shiva performed the tandav (dance). Annually, a classical dance week, of mostly Bharata Natyam, is celebrated at the temple. The temple has main shrines, and sacred palm and tamarind trees.
Timings: 5:30 am till 1 pm, 4 pm till 9 pm
This temple was consecrated in 1999 by yogi Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev through prana prathista (ceremony) tradition. In Sanskrit, dhyana stands for ‘meditation’ and linga means ‘form’. This temple provides a meditative silent space open to all schools of faiths. The reception is uniquely sunken, with a 17-foot white granite monolith pole, the Sarva Dharma Sthamba, with its backside inscribed with the seven chakras (wheels) of the human body. After crossing the pole, a statue of Patanjali, the ‘Father of Yogic Science’, graces the entrance to the temple. Inside, the celling is a majestic, elliptical, brick-and-lime dome covering the gigantic temple hall in the middle of which sits the dhyananlinga, arising out of a coiled receptacle. The linga is submersed in a pool of water, and another stream of water flows above it. A water tank allows pilgrims to take the ‘holy bath’. Within the Isha Yoga Centre, near the temple lies the 112 feet tall Adiyogi Shiva statue, a popular attraction.
Timings: 6 am till 8 pm
Regarded as the 7th house of Lord Murugan, this 12th-century temple is located on a hillock like most Murugan temples. Called by various names like Marudhachalamurthy, the name Marudham stands for ‘marudha maram’ – native trees found at the site of the hill, and ‘malai’ in Tamil means a ‘hill’. The granite hill is surrounded by several water bodies near the temple, such as the Snake Charmer’s spring and Maruda Theertham. Devotees regard these waters have medicinal properties. The Pambatti Siddhar cave is situated at the temple’s southern end. Amongst the 18 siddhars (intellectual), the 12th-century Pambatti Siddhar is believed to have lived and prayed to at this spot. The temple celebrates Murugan festivals like Thai Poosam.
Timings: 5:30 am till 1 pm, 2 pm till 8:30 pm
This 10th century Dravidian style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu was built by a Chola dynasty king. This temple is especially revered amongst the Thenkalai sect of Vaishnavites. Enclosed within granite walls, the temple features a 7-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower), with 7 kalasam (form of inverted pot) at the top. Unlike other temples where Ranganathaswamy idol is seen standing, sitting, or in reclining posture, this temple features only the face of the idol, the ardha mandapa, guarded by dwarapalas (attendees) on both sides. One of the most prominent temples in Coimbatore and visited destination, such was the popularity that until 1983, during the chariot festival, free train services would operate from Coimbatore to Mettupalayam.
Timings: 5 am till 1 pm, 4 pm till 9 pm
Located on the foot of Thirumoorthy hills in the Annamalai hill range, with a perennial stream flowing by its side, the Amanalingeswarar temple is one of the most scenic religious sites in Coimbatore. The shrine of this temple is a thirumoorthy, or trimurti, meaning ‘thee deities’ – in this case Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who are worshipped in swayambhu (self-manifested) form. Lord Amanalingeswara is the presiding deity of the temple. As per legend, sage Maharishi and his wife Anansuya used to live at this spot, where Anansuya was tested and then granted a blessing by the trinity Gods.
Timings: 6:30 am till6:30 pm
Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the Ashtamsa Anjaneyar temple is unique for dressing its deity in a different alankaram (ornaments) every day. Made of Salagrama stone, the deity idol poses in abhaya mudra, holding a club in the hand. Traditionally, Goddess Lakshmi graces from Vishnu’s chest, and in this deity, she graces from Hanuman’s right palm. The deity is offered 10,008 fruits during the Tamil New Year. Visiting the temple on any given day is a sight to behold as the deity is seen in a new avatar. Yet, some special times to visit are during Saturdays, Purattasi (Tamil month), and Hanuman Jayanti.
Timings: 7:30 am to 11:30 am, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
A 1000 steps lead to the beautiful Anubhavi Subramaniar temple, located on a hillock, amidst dense forests, with a natural spring flowing next to it. The famous Marudhamalai Murugan temple lies to its south, and can be reached through a hilly route. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan who is worshipped as swayambhu Subramanya. The sanctum sanctorum houses Lord Murugan in standing posture, guarded by his two consorts on both sides. The front mandapa (hall) houses Murugan’s army chief, Veerabagu. The temple houses a shrine for the nine planets, navagraha. The source of the natural spring remains evasive till date.
Timings: 6 am till 11 am, 5 pm till 8 pm
6000 feet above the sea level on the mount Velliangiri range of the Western Ghats, the Velliangiri Andavar temple lies inside a 6 feet wide natural cave located on a hillock. The swayambhu form of Shiva appears as panchalingam (five lingas) who is guarded by dwaarapala (attendees) on both sides. It is belived Shiva performed the cosmic dance (tandav) here at the request of Goddess Umadevi. The sand of another nearby hill, Thiruneer Malai, is regarded holy. Reaching the temple requires crossing even hills, an experience many compare with the Amarnath Yatra of north India.
Timings: 6 am till 12 am, 4 pm till 9 pm
It is one of the most unique temples in Coimbatore, as it features the idols of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita facing each other. Built in a Dravidian architectural style, the levelled gopuram (tower) of this grand temple features colorful and stunning sculptures and relief work. The temple doors are covered with silver sheets featuring exquisite carvings of all the eight avatars of Goddess Lakshmi. The sanctum sanctorum houses idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, Rama’s brother. The temple also contains a collection of 13 crore Rama-Nama (names of Ram) written on them. Idols and sculptures of Ganesha, Krishna, and Aiyappa are also found. The complex has a temple with shrines dedicated to navagrahas, the nine planets.
Timings: 6 am till 11 am, 5 pm till 8 pm
As per legend, when from Madurai, the 6 feet tall idol of Vinayaga was being transported in a cart for installing it at the Perur Pateeswarar temple, the cart axle broke and fixed itself at the site of this temple. Therefore, the moolavar (deity idol) of Eachanari temple is regarded as part of the Perur Pateeswarar temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh who is worshipped in the form of Lord Vinayaga. The temple owns a golden chariot. The temple runs an ‘Anbu Illam’ (Abode of Love) program wherein it takes care of the accommodation and education of 25 children.
Timings: 5:30 am till 1 pm, 4 pm till 9 pm
One of the most significant temples in Coimbatore, the Koniamman temple is also the only one in the city which celebrates the chariot festival. This 16th-century temple features an 84 feet tall gopuram, tallest in the area. The eight-armed Mother Koniamman is the presiding deity, who is shown holding a trident, sword, fire, skull, bell, an udukkai (drum), discus, and conch. She wears a kundalam (big earring) in one of her ears. A shrine for the navagrahas and their consorts graces from the right side of the deity. Devotees believe their Goddess Koniamman rids people of sicknesses and blesses them with successful marriages.
Timings: 6 am till 12 pm, 4 pm till 9 pm
The Masani Amman temple is situated at the confluence of river Aliyar and Uppar stream with the mighty Anaimalai hills in the backdrop. Masani Amman is an avatar (form) of Goddess Shakti. The most unique feature of this temple is its 15 feet long idol of Masani Amman, the presiding deity, which is in a lying posture. Another uniqueness of the temple is the offerings made to the deity – of red chilies. The practice of going around the deity’s trident stems from the popular belief amongst devotees that doing so will ensure relief from any sickness. Some other deities in the complex are Durga, Bhairav, Mahamuniappan, and Neethi Kal (stone of justice).
Timings: 6 am till 8 pm
This is the second most important temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, and it is the resting place for devotees during their Sabarimala pilgrimage. In 1942, some devotees started assembling at this site and conducting some poojas (prayers). Later, as the temple construction began and increased, a pure gold dhvaja sthambham (flagstaff) was installed here in 1972. Recently, the ceiling of the sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) was fully plated in pure gold. The temple houses smaller shrines that are dedicated to deities of Vinayaka, Vishnu, Murugan, and Durga. Surrounded by a beautiful garden, the temple also runs a goshala (cow shelter).
Timings: 5 am till 11 pm, 5 am till 9 pm
Dedicated to sage Shirdi Sai Baba, this popular temple was established in 1942 following the Sai movement in Coimbatore 1939. It is revered for the marble statue idol of Sai Baba, installed in 1961 by Sathya Sai Baba, who devotees widely believed to be the living reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba. Contradictory to tradition, this was the first formal installation of a Sai Baba idol. The temple gets its name Naga from a snake that appeared in a garden to listen to Sai Baba’s sermon, and disappeared immediately thereafter. As per legend, the stick used for blessing the visitors once belonged to Sai Baba. As part of the tradition, ashes (udi) from Sacred Dhuni, the flame in the sanctum sanctorum, are regarded holy. A golden chariot with a golden Sai Baba idol comes out for a prakaram (procession) at 7 pm every Thursday.
Timings: 5 am till 1:30 pm, 4 am till 9 pm
The innumerable Amman temples and their celebrations of the grand Mariamman festivals are popular events during summer. Mosques, churches, exotic wildlife at Annamalai Tiger reserve, enchanting views of Siruvani waterfalls, exhilarating rides at theme parks, and a Formula 3 racing circuit that earns the city the title of ‘India’s motorsports hub’ – a colorful contrast of experiences awaits any traveler in Coimbatore.
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April 15, 2024 
