One of the major cities of Tamilnadu, Coimbatore is also called “The Machester of South India” due to its cotton and textile mills. However, the city is also famous for its temples, which are known for their architectural marvels. Each of these temples holds a religious and cultural significance, as they provide us with valuable information about Hinduism, customs and rituals of the past. Some of them are quite ancient like the Arulmigu Patteeswar Swamy temple which is almost 1000 years old. These shrines help us understand in detail the glorious past of our country. In this article, we shall explore more about these famous temples in the Coimbatore city and their prominence.
Best and Ancient Temples in Coimbatore:
Check out these 10 beautiful and famous Coimbatore temples and their religious importance.
1. Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple:
While there are many temples to visit in Coimbatore, Arulmigu Subrahmanya Swamy Temple is a must-visit sacred place with beautiful scenic views from where one can enjoy the magnificent views of the Coimbatore city. It is an ancient 12th-century temple located on Marudhamalai Hill in the Western Ghats. The main deity here is Murugan. This temple is located in the Western Ghats, so the greenery and surroundings make it very beautiful.
Many devotees visit this temple for devotion to the deity, and they are also attracted by the stunning natural beauty. The temple is just 15 km from Coimbatore, from where you can reach by public transport. Darshan’s timings are daily from 6 am to 8:45 pm. The Thaipusam festival is an important festival celebrated in Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy temple, and this festival time is the best time to visit this temple. It is usually celebrated in the month of January or February.
2. Sri Ayyappa Swamy Temple:
This is the most famous temple in the city and was established in the mid-19th century. The temple was built by a trust called Sri Dharma Sastha Baktha Jana Sabha. It is open from 5 in the morning to 9 in the evening. The daily poojas of this temple occur during the early hours. Seasonal pujas and festivals are also performed on this sacred pilgrimage.
- Address: Chinnasamy Naidu Rd, Venkatasamy Layout, New Siddhapudur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641044.
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: It is located at a distance of 8.8 Km from Coimbatore airport.
- Temple Website: www.sidhapudurayyappantemple.org/
- Best Time To Visit: Grand celebrations during important Hindu festivals like Makara Sankranthi and Annual temple festivals.
- Other Attractions: Ghosala, Annadanam and stores to buy Pooja items.
3. Sri Jayamangala Anjaneyar Thirukoil:
Located at a distance of 50 km from the city, this is one of the oldest temples of Tamil Nadu and of the country as well. The temple was constructed under the supervision of Krishna Deva Raya. In this temple, deities of 3 gods are worshipped. The temple’s main deity is Lord Hanuman, which is said to be one of the Hanuman idols installed by Sri Vyasaraja. Darshan’s timings at this temple are between 6 AM to 11 PM
- Address: Idugampalayam Village, Mettupalayam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641301.
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 11 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours - How To Reach: It is located at a distance of 40 KM from Coimbatore Junction.
- Temple Website: http://idugampalayamanjaneyartemple.tnhrce.in
- Best Time To Visit: Hanuman Jayanti, Sree Rama Navami.
- Other Attractions: Annadanam is provided for 70 people each day of the year.
[Read: Best Must-Visit Temples in Kanchipuram]
4. Arulmigu Avinashi Lingeshwarar Thirukoil:
This temple is situated in Avinashi, which falls 40 km from the city. The temple was built in the 15th century by Sundara Pandiya. The temple hosts a number of festivals throughout the year among people who stay most anticipate the Car Festival. The temple’s car is considered to be one of the biggest ones in the whole of South India. People from all over the country come to observe the beauty and architecture of this temple, along with the wooden carvings on the car.
- Address: Mangalam Road, Avinashi, Tamil Nadu 641654.
- Timings: 5 AM to 8 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: The nearest airport is Coimbatore which is 40 Km away, and by bus, you can get down at Tirupur which is 10 KM from the temple. You can take connected buses from there.
- Temple Website: http://www.avinashilingeswarartemple.tnhrce.in
- Best Time To Visit: Chithirai Brahmmotsavam and Annual Car Festival.
- Other Attractions: Annadanam is provided for 100 people each day of the year under the Government’s free meal scheme.
5. Arulmigu Chokkalingeswarar Aalayam:
This is one of the most popular temples in Coimbatore and is situated at a distance of 40 km from the city on the Erode Rode, Avinashi. The temple was constructed in the 15th century and is of high historical importance. People all over South India admire this temple because of its beautiful architecture. The temple is open to the public from 5 A.M in the morning till 8 P.M in the night.
- Address: Perianaickenpalayam Thiruvarul Thavanari Mandram, Regd.No.136/81, Perianaickenpalayam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641020.
- Timings: 5 AM to 8 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: It is located near Avinashi which is 40 KM from the city of Coimbatore.
- Temple Website: www.chokkalingeswararaalayam.org/
- Best Time To Visit: Kaarthikai Deepam, Brahmmotsavam, Mudhalai Vaai Pillai Festival conducted 3 Days.
- Other Attractions: Sub-shrines within the temple campus.
6. Arulmigu Eachanari Vinayagar Thirukoil:
This beautiful temple is located on Pollachi Road, which lies over 8 km from the city. Being built in 1500 A.D, this temple is being visited by thousands of devoted worshipers daily from 5 A.M to 10 P.M.It is a custom for travellers to visit Eachanari Vinayaga before starting off for a long journey, as he is the remover of all obstacles. This is one of the ancient temples in Coimbatore.
- Address: Pollachi Main Road, Eachanari, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641021.
- Timings: 5 AM to 8 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: The nearest railway station is 12 KM from Eachanari temple.
- Temple Website: http://www.eachanarivinayagar.tnhrce.in/
- Best Time To Visit: Ganesh Chathurthi and Annual Chariot Festival.
- Other Attractions: Annadanam scheme is available to feed the hungry.
[Read: Important Temples Near Madurai City]
7. Arulmigu Aranganatha Swamy Thirukovil:
For beautiful temples like this, Tamil Nadu is called the temple city. This temple is open to the public from 11.30 in the morning to 8.30 in the evening. The main deity of the temple is present in three of his forms Lord Venkatesa Achudhan, Lord Aranganadhar and Lord Venkatesa Perumal. There is also a holy water tank inside the campus called Karuda Theertham.
- Address: Arulmigu Aranganatha Swamy Thirukoil, Coimbatore – Mettupalayam NH Road, Karamadai – 641 104.
- Timings: 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional wear.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: The nearest railway station is 29 KM from the Karamadia City Center.
- Temple Website: http://www.karamadaiaranganathar.tnhrce.in
- Best Time To Visit: Navarathri, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Special Five Saturdays.
- Other Attractions: Annadanam scheme is available to feed the hungry.
8. Arulmigu Koniamman Temple:
The temple is located near the Town hall in Coimbatore and was constructed during the 13th century. The temple displays the magnificent deity, ‘Koni Amman’. It is located in the heart of the city and is well-connected by public transport. It is believed that a visit to this temple will fulfil all the desires of people, who make it a point to seek the blessings of the Goddess before embarking on a new journey in their lives.
- Address: Big Bazaar St, Poompuhar Nagar, Ukkadam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641001.
- Timings: 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: The nearest railway station is 29 KM from the Karamadia City Center.
- Temple Website: http://www.kovaikoniamman.tnhrce.in/
- Best Time To Visit: Oonjal festival in Aadi Month.
- Other Attractions: Free Food is offered under the CM’s scheme of Annadanam.
9. Arulmigu Kulanthai Velayutha Swamy Thirukoil:
Located in Kurundamalai, located 24 km from the city this temple is believed to be one of the holiest spots in the country. It is open from 7 in the morning till 7 in the evening. This temple displays Lord Muruga’s beautiful form, which is the prime reason behind this temple’s allure. The temple is believed to be atleast 750 years old and is placed on a hill which has Kurunda trees.
- Address: Big Bazaar St, Poompuhar Nagar, Ukkadam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641001.
- Timings: 7 AM to 7:30 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: Karamadi bus stand is the nearest to this temple. One can hire a taxi or auto to reach the place.
- Temple Website: http://www.kurunthamalaimurugantemple.tnhrce.in
- Best Time To Visit: Thaipusam, Panguni Uthram and Chithirai Kani.
- Other Attractions: Annadanam for 50 people per day.
[Read: Most Popular Temples to Explore in Tamil Nadu]
10. Arulmigu Pateeswarar Thirukoil:
This temple is located in Perur, which is 6 km from the city. The temple is believed to be one of the oldest temples of Tamil Nadu and the country as well. It was built in the early Christian era by Karikala Chola and was later endowed by the kings of Hoysala, Vijayanagara and Nayaka dynasties. It is also famous for its Kanaka Sthambha, which is a collection of intricate stone carvings.
- Address: Siruvani Main Road, Siruvani Main Rd, Perur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641010.
- Timings: 6 AM to 8:30 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: It is located approx. 5.6 KM from Coimbatore City Center.
- Temple Website: http://www.kurunthamalaimurugantemple.tnhrce.in
- Best Time To Visit: All Important Hindu festivals like Shivarathri, Thaipoosam etc.,
- Other Attractions: The holy temple tank has symmetrical steps at 16 angles.
Tamilnadu is the land of temples that truly lives up to its name. Each of its important cities including Coimbatore houses some of India’s best shrines. Their beauty is beyond words, and one has to see it to experience it. It is also heartening to see how these heritage sites are still well-preserved by the locals and authorities who have understood their importance. The shrines are well maintained and give the visitors a truly divine experience. We hope this article served as a guide to help you explore the temples of Coimbatore. If you have been to any of these places and have more information about them, do let us know in the comments section.
Expert Questions and Answers:
1. Is Pooja a Paid Service or is it Done for Free in The Temples?
In most temples, the common pooja is a free service done in the name of God. However, if you are specific about an Archana in your name or a special Abhishekam, you need to pay some amount and take a token. This can be purchased on the special counters of each temple. You can even get a special Prasadam with this pooja.
2. How Far is Isha Dhyana Linga from Coimbatore?
The Dhyana Lingam in the Isha Center of Coimbatore is around 40 KM from the airport. It was established by the Guru Jaggi Vasudev in the year 1999. The installation took about 3 years to complete the process of Prana Pratista is one of the most powerful forms of energy. People worldwide come here to experience the magic of meditating in front of the Dhyanalinga.
3. Are There any Cave Temples in Coimbatore?
Yes! The Paambathi Siddhar Cave temple near the Marudhamalai hill temple in Coimbatore. It is a small shrine dedicated to the Paambatti Siddhar who used to reside here. He was among the 18 siddhis and earned fame for his “Addu Pambe” collection of poems. This temple can be reached by climbing down several steps from the main shrine and is a perfect spot for meditation.
