Kasi of the South
Avinashi temple is one of the seven celebrated Shivastalam temples of Kongu Naadu, better known as Karunaiyaaththaal temple. This temple is 15 centuries old, constructed by Sundarapandiya is closely associated with the great Saiva saint Sundaramoorthy Nayanar.

The word Avinashi means that which is indestructible. Of the 24 divisions of ancient Kongu Naadu, Avinashi amd Thirumurugan Poondi temples belong to the"Vadaparisara Naadu", north of Noyyal and south of Bhavani rivers. Believed to bear the waters of the holy Ganga in its wells, Avinashi, located near Tiruppur is also known as Dhakshina Kasi and Varavanavasi.

Legend has it that Sundaramoorthy Nayanar while on his way to Tiruvanchikulam to meet the Chera King, Cheraman Perumal, saw two houses in the Brahmin row of Tamaraikkulam. One was celebrating the upananayam (thread ceremony) of their son while the other house was mourning the 3rd death anniversary of their son who was swallowed by a crocodile in the temple tank. Sundaramoorthy was moved by this scene and knew that had that boy been alive, his parents too would be celebrating the upananayam of their son, just like the neighbouring household.

Sundaramoorthy rushed to the temple tank, that was dry then, and sang in praise of Lord Shiva invoking his mercy to return the boy live to the suffering parents. As soon as he began to pray, there was a heavy downpour and soon the tank filled up to the brim. Then a crocodile appeared from the tank carrying the boy, dropped him on the banks of the tank and dissappeared. Sundaramoorthy presented the boy to his parents, whose joy knew no bounds, and helped them conduct the upanayana for the boy. This event is commemorated during the 'Mudalai Vaai Pillai' Utsavam on Panguni Uththiram. The place was renamed Avinashi and a shrine to honor Sundaramoorthy is built on the shores.

In the Avinashi temple, Ambal's sanctum is to the right of Avinasiappar's sanctum, unlike in most other temples. The mandapam in front of the sanctum has interesting sculptural works. The large nandi and the carved image of a scorpion are of great significance. The inner prakaram of the two prakarams of the temple are adorned with the navaranga mandapam. The Kasi Gangai Theertham, in the form of a well, is considered to be of significance. The temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

The annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of Chittirai.The chariot festival here is said to be on par with Tiruvarur and is the most exciting of the festivals in this temple. This temple's chariot is one of the biggest in South India and is noted for its fine wooden carvings. Since the old chariot was destroyed by fire recently, it has been rebuilt.

Location: Avinashi, near Tiruppur

Nearest city: Coimbatore