Kundrakudi Adigalar a famous Tamilsaint lived here and served the religion and the society.He attained Samadhi here. This Temple attracts large number of pilgrims throughout the year. Thai poosam (Jan-Feb), Panguni Uththiram (Mar-Apr), Visakam in May, Aadi Kirthigai (Jul-Aug), and Karthigai month Skandha Sashti (Oct-Nov). There are a number of old inscriptions in this region which attracts research minded historians. All these caves are dedicated to lord Shiva. Later structures have been added to these shrines. On the western side of the hill are three excavated shrines at the ground level. Kundrakudi is 10 km from Karaikudi and 12 km form Tirupathur. This Shanmuganathar Temple is an abode of Lord Murugan called вЂњShanmugaвЂќ with six faces and 12 hands. Kundram means hillock and Kudi means village. The stucco figures and the statues of Saint, Angels and the sacred Heart of Jesus, his foster father St.Joseph and the Holy Family Statue with golden gilt and the Mother of Sorrows are of great beauty and symbol of ancient French art work. Since South India is a tropical country, utilization of the hollow bricks in the construction, reduces the heat and also the vacuum gap between inner vaulted roof makes and air-conditioned system below the shelter of the wall. The widows are decorated with small brick pillars adjoined with hollow flower bricks and stained glass works which depicts the events of the journey of the cross colorfully and beautifully. The inner gothic arches rest over the columns embedded with ribs, its corner rising up to the vaulted roof. It is constructed with 200 different types of moulded bricks and tiles in lime marty. Since the church was said to be built by angels, Fr.Ferdinand Celle SJ has placed 153 depictions of angels in and around the church Another powerful source we have in this church to get the great divine help is the relics of 40 saints kept on the altar. This is a replica of the Rheims Cathedral in France. This unique Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was built in Gothic Architectural Style in the year 1894 AD by a French missionary Fr. It is at a distance of 37 kms towards the Madurai on the Madurai вЂ“ Rameswaram national highway. There are many testimonies to this and locals will tell you real stories of real people who have been blessed with good fortune and good health after visiting the dargah. Many people suffering from various diseases and ill health also pray at the dargah for faster recovery. According to local beliefs, if you pray at the dargah diligently then you can have any wish fulfilled including being blessed with children, getting a job, finding a suitable bride/groom or even for getting rid of the negative energy in your life. The dargah is open to all and the local population of Karaikudi and the surrounding areas visit the dargah in large numbers everyday. Many people also come to the dargah after their wishes have been granted. Many tourists, regardless of their religion, visit the dargah every year because it is believed that those who worship and pray at the dargah get their wishes fulfilled. The dargah is located about 40 km from the town of Karaikudi. Piranmalai Seik Oliyullah Dargah holds religious significance for the Muslims. Timing : Morning (6 AM to 1 PM) and Evening (4 PM to 8.30 PM) Cottages maintained by the trust are also available which can be booked in advance. Unlike other places the three Lingams Thiruveesar, Marudhesar and Senchadeswarar and the three Goddess Sivagami amman, Vadamalar Mangaiamman and Soundara Nayagiamman all appear together at the same place and bless the devotees. Sankata Hara Chathurthy every month is also celebrated with a festival look. It is celebrated for 10 days in a grand manner. Vinayagar Chathurthi festival during August-September is the main festival of the temple. Over 15 inscriptions are found within the temple, that help establish the age of the temple. The six feet presiding deity is called as Karpaga Vinayagar. Here Lord Vinayaga appears with 2 hands unlike in other places where he is seen with 4 hands. The village gets its name from the temple. Pillayarpatti is situated at a distance of 71kms from Madurai and 12 kms from Karaikudi on Thirupathur вЂ“ Karaikudi State Highway. Karpaga Vinayagar Temple is one of the oldest Cave Temples (Rock Cut) of Tamilnadu and situated at Pillayarpatti, Which is between Pudukkottai and Karaikudi.

Lord murugan photo