Quick answer: The Arulmigu Karpaga Vinayagar Temple at Pillayarpatti (Tiruppathur taluk, Sivagangai district, Tamil Nadu) is an ancient rock-cut Ganesha temple maintained by the PKN Trust of the Nattukottai Nagarathar community. It is open roughly 6:00 AM–1:00 PM and 4:00 PM–8:30 PM. You can support the temple through abhishekam, archana, annadhanam and room donations, and seva booking is offered on the temple’s official website. The grand Vinayaka Chaturthi festival runs for about ten days in the Tamil month of Aavani.
Sri Vyasa Pooja is an information guide — we do not collect donations or take payments. Please use only the temple’s official channels to donate or book any seva.
Key Information at a Glance
| Temple | Arulmigu Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, Pillayarpatti |
| Main deity | Karpaga Vinayagar (Lord Ganesha), a rock-cut relief |
| Location | Pillayarpatti village, Tiruppathur taluk, Sivagangai district, Tamil Nadu |
| Administered by | PKN Trust (Nattukottai Nagarathar community) |
| Darshan timings | Approx. 6:00 AM–1:00 PM and 4:00 PM–8:30 PM (confirm locally) |
| Main festival | Vinayaka Chaturthi (Aavani), celebrated for about 10 days |
| Nearest town | Karaikudi (about 12–18 km) |
| Official donations/seva | Through the temple’s official website and temple office |
About Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar
Pillayarpatti is home to one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest cave temples. The shrine is carved into living rock, and historians point to early inscriptions in Tamil Brahmi and early Vatteluttu scripts, placing parts of the temple among the earliest in the region. The main deity, Karpaga Vinayagar, is a striking six-foot rock-cut image of Lord Ganesha with an unusual two-handed form and trunk turned toward the right — a depiction that differs from the more familiar later representations of Ganesha.
The temple has been cared for over many centuries by the Nattukottai Nagarathar (Chettiar) merchant community, who continue to maintain it today through the PKN Trust. Beyond the sanctum, the trust runs facilities such as visitor accommodation, annadhanam (free meals), and periodic medical camps for the local community.
Donations, Sevas and Their Benefits
Devotees can take part in daily and special poojas and can support the temple’s charitable work. The table below lists the kinds of sevas and donation schemes commonly associated with the temple. Amounts and availability are set by the temple and change from time to time, so treat the descriptions as indicative.
| Seva / Scheme | What it involves & benefit |
| Abhishekam | Sacred bathing of the deity; offered for devotion, well-being and family prosperity |
| Archana | Offering of names, flowers and coconut with chanting; a simple personal prayer |
| Homam / special poojas | Fire rituals sought for health, education and removing obstacles |
| Annadhanam donation | Sponsoring free meals for devotees as an act of charity |
| Room / facility donation | Supporting the trust’s accommodation and upkeep of the temple |
Please confirm at the temple. Seva charges, timings and the exact donation options are decided by the temple administration. For accurate amounts, online seva booking and official receipts, use the temple’s own website or the temple office. Sri Vyasa Pooja does not handle any payment.
Darshan Timings and Festivals
The temple generally opens around 6:00 AM and remains open until about 1:00 PM, then reopens at 4:00 PM and closes around 8:30 PM. A series of daily poojas — including the early-morning service, the mid-morning Kaalasanthi, the noon Uchikalam, the evening Maalaisanthi and the night Arthajaman — mark the rhythm of the day. Early morning is usually the calmest and least crowded time for darshan. As timings can shift on festival days, it is best to confirm before you travel.
The temple’s biggest celebration is Vinayaka Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (August–September), observed in grand fashion for about ten days. It begins with the flag hoisting, builds through daily processions in which the Lord is carried on different vahanams, and reaches its peak with the chariot festival on the ninth day. The tenth day brings the holy theerthavari, a giant kozhukattai offering, and a night procession of the deities on gold and silver vehicles.
How to Reach
Pillayarpatti is in the Chettinad region of Sivagangai district, close to Karaikudi. By road it is reachable via National Highway 36 and State Highway 35. The nearest railway station is Karaikudi, roughly 16–18 km away, with regular buses and taxis to the village. The closest airports are Madurai (about 90–95 km) and Tiruchirappalli (Trichy, about 89 km). Madurai itself lies around 70–75 km from the temple, so many visitors combine a Pillayarpatti darshan with a wider Chettinad or Madurai trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the darshan timings at Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Temple?
The temple is generally open from about 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Timings can change on festival days, so it is best to confirm at the temple before visiting.
How can I donate or book a seva officially?
Donations and seva bookings are handled by the temple administration through the temple’s official website and the temple office. Sri Vyasa Pooja is an information guide and does not collect donations or take any payments.
When is the main festival celebrated?
Vinayaka Chaturthi is the temple’s main festival, celebrated for about ten days in the Tamil month of Aavani (August–September), with daily processions, a chariot festival on the ninth day and a grand finale on the tenth day.
How do I reach Pillayarpatti temple?
The temple is near Karaikudi in Sivagangai district. The nearest railway station is Karaikudi (about 16–18 km), and the nearest airports are Madurai (about 90–95 km) and Trichy (about 89 km). It is well connected by road via NH 36 and SH 35.
