The Karpaka Vinayaka Temple, also known as the Pillaiyarpatti Temple, is a 7th-century rock-cut shrine located in the village of Pillaiyarpatti, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this historic cave temple features unique rock-cut images of Hindu deities, including a distinctively carved Ganesha. Restorative excavations in the 19th century revealed panchaloga statues, dated back to the 11th century, further adding to its historical and spiritual richness.
Inside the temple, inscriptions on the shrines and walls showcase its ancient roots, with some dating back to Tamil Brahmi and early Vatteluttu scripts. One notable inscription refers to "Desi Vinayakar," dating the core layer of the temple to the 7th century. The temple, known as an ancestral shrine for the Chettiar community, has a stunning gopuram, spacious mandapams, and elaborately decorated frescoes that continue to attract pilgrims, especially during festivals.
The temple is set against a rocky hill in Pillayarpatti village, accessible from nearby cities like Madurai and Karaikudi. It was built during the early Pandya dynasty and expanded through the centuries, featuring unique rock carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses. Notable among these is the 6-foot bas-relief of Karpaga Vinayagar, whose iconography is distinctive, with a two-handed depiction holding sweets, unlike later four-handed forms.
Additional reliefs, shrines, and mandapams were added in later centuries, creating a multi-layered temple with rich architecture. It includes an unusual Ardhanarishvara or Harihara relief, interpretations of which vary due to its intricate iconography. With shrines for Bhairava, Kartikeya, Navagrahas, and the Saptamatrikas, this active temple houses a kitchen, a well for pilgrims, and space for devotional arts, adding to its role as a center for cultural and religious traditions.