Sri Kalatheeswarar Temple Pattayakkalipalayam,Tamil Nadu
Sri Kalatheeswarar Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Pattayakkalipalayam, near Gobichettipalayam, in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu.The temple is often referred to as “Then Kalathi,” symbolizing its status as the “Kalahasti of the South,” drawing parallels to the renowned Srikalahasteeswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh.
One of the temple’s unique features is the presence of a lamp inside the sanctum that flickers continuously, even in the absence of apparent air movement. This phenomenon is believed to symbolize the divine presence of Lord Shiva in his aspect as Vayu (air), akin to the Vayu Linga at Srikalahasti.
The temple’s architecture is a testament to traditional Dravidian design. Facing east, the temple features a Deepasthambam (lamp pillar) and a balipeedam (sacrificial altar) at its entrance. The sanctum sanctorum houses the presiding deity, Sri Kalatheeswarar, represented by a swayambhu (self-manifested) lingam believed to have been brought from Kalahasti in Andhra Pradesh. Behind the main deity are golden representations of the serpents Rahu and Ketu, accompanied by 27 lamps symbolizing the 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions). Notably, the top lamp remains steady without flickering, reminiscent of a similar phenomenon observed at Kalahasti.The temple’s vimana (tower) above the sanctum is designed in the two-tiered Nagara style.
Adjacent to the main sanctum is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Sri Gnana Poongothai, the consort of Sri Kalatheeswarar, also facing east. The temple complex includes additional shrines for deities such as Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities), Bhairavar, and serpent deities (Nagars) situated beneath a peepal tree.
The temple holds significant historical importance for the Vettuva Gounder community of the Kongu Nadu region, serving as their Kuladeivam (family deity). According to historical accounts, the temple is linked to the Vettuva Kings—Thirukachcharayar, Thiruverayar, Puvalarayar, and Kavalarayar—who once ruled the Konkan region of Andhra Pradesh. Their descendants migrated to the Kongu region approximately 800 years ago and established this temple in memory of their kula guru (clan teacher), Kannappa Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars (saint poets). Inscriptions found on the sanctum walls, dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, provide insights into the various sub-sects of the Vettuva community.
The temple is renowned for its Rahu and Ketu parihara (remedial) rituals. Devotees visit during new moon days and the Navaratri festival to perform special poojas aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of Rahu and Ketu doshas (planetary afflictions). Additionally, special poojas are conducted during Pradosham and Mahashivaratri, drawing numerous devotees seeking divine blessings.
