Kadai Pillai Ayyanar

The very mention of Ayyanar piques our interest, doesn't it? Indeed, much like the name suggests, the deity himself is both unique and powerful. Revered as the custodian deity of Melur, Kadai Pillai Ayyanar receives the first homage in any function or festivity within the region. Nestled gracefully on the banks of the River Cauvery, this temple, though modest in size, exudes a charming allure, drawing locals and travelers alike to seek blessings before embarking on long journeys or celebrating festivals.

Legend has it that centuries ago, a peculiar bird known as Kadai kuruvi would bathe in the river and perch upon a specific mound daily. Intrigued by this behavior, the villagers excavated the mound one day, uncovering a statue of Ayyanar in a yogic posture. Dubbed as Kadai Pillai Ayyanar, owing to its discovery by the Kadai bird, a humble temple was erected in his honor, becoming a revered guardian figure for the community.

An intriguing anecdote surrounds the temple involving King Karikala Cholan's quest for an ideal location to construct the Kallanai dam. Upon reaching the temple grounds, the king and his retinue found their elephants and horses immobilized. A soldier, allegedly possessed by Ayyanar, bargained with the king, offering assistance in exchange for a few elephants and horses. Upon compliance, the animals resumed mobility, prompting the king to erect effigies of elephants and horses in honor of Ayyanar—a tradition still upheld today.

One notable peculiarity of the temple lies in its priesthood, exclusively held by a single family (Konar). They firmly believe that Ayyanar himself selected their lineage to perform his daily rituals. The temple compound hosts various deities, including Manavala Mamuni, Ekambara Nadhar, Kamakshi Amman, and others. Opposite the shrine of Kadai Pillai Ayyanar stands a statue of Karuppana Swami, known for its fierce countenance, with eyes adorned with precious stones seemingly gazing directly at visitors. Additionally, a small statue of Lord Ganesha adorns the vicinity.

Festivals are an integral part of temple life, with Shiva Rathiri being the most prominent. Vegetarian offerings are made to Kadai Pillai Ayyanar, while goats and hens are sacrificed to Karuppana Swami. A special annual festival draws devotees, especially those with Kadai Pillai Ayyanar as their guardian deity, to partake in rituals overseen by the temple's prophet. The festival concludes with the prophet allegedly being possessed by Ayyanar, announcing the date for the following year's festivities.

The temple's miraculous powers are evidenced by an incident during a severe flood in the Cauvery River. While surrounding villages succumbed to the deluge, the fervent prayers of the Melur villagers to Kadai Pillai Ayyanar spared their settlement from devastation. In gratitude, the villagers organized an immediate feast, acknowledging the deity's immense blessings.

For travelers, reaching the Kadai Pillai Ayyanar Temple is convenient. Buses ply from Trichy's Srirangam bus stand, while the nearest railway stations are in Trichy or Srirangam. From there, taxis or buses can be hired to reach the temple. The closest airport is also in Trichy.

Address:
Vekkaliyamman, S S Kovil Street, Woraiyur, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620003

Phone:
0431 276 1869

Architectural Style:
Dravidian Architecture