Perur
Temples of Tamilnadu

Architecture

Spare its entry tower, the bulk of the temple is
hidden by the multitude of small commercial
establishments that surround its presence. The tower
painted with modern paint stands out proclaiming the
existence of the temple, the very appearance of the
tower conceals the antiquity of this temple dating
back to the Sangam period of Tamill history.

For its historical and religious significance, the
temple is relatively moderate in size, especially when
compared to the Saivite temples of the Chola region. 

The five tiered gopuram mentioned above marks the
entrance to the temple. The mandapam encountered as
soon as one enters the temple, bears murals
representing the life of the Saivite saints on its
ceiling. The Nataraja shrine itself is a work of art.
In front of the shrine is a mandapam constructed by
the royal patron Alagadri Nayakar of Madurai, with
several pillars with life sized images depicting the
various manifestations of Shiva. Also painted on the
ceiling of this mandapam are images depicting scenes
from Saivite mythology.

Worship: Five worship services are carried out each
day and this temple resonates with the singing of the
Tevaram hymns. Of particular significance is the
Arudra Darisanam festival in the month of Maargazhi
where thousands of people congregate to celebrate. The
annual festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of
Pankuni. Mondays in the tamil month of Kaartikai are
considered special and are marked by Shankhabhishekam
in the morning and by annabhishekam in the evening.
The Perur Natyanjali dance festival is celebrated in
the month of September where dance programs by leading
artistes are hosted within the precincts of the
temple.