Pasupateeswarar Temple in Karur, one of the seven Sivastalams, holds immense historical and religious significance. During the time of Sambandar's visit, the city was known as Karuvoor. Inscriptions indicate that the temple existed during Rajendra Chola’s reign (1012–1054 CE), when he generously donated land to the temple. The temple also received patronage from the Kongu Cholas, Kongu Pandyas, and Vijayanagar rulers, making it a center of worship through various dynasties.
According to legend, Kamadhenu, the divine cow, meditated upon Lord Shiva at this site to seek his blessings, earning him the name Aanilai. Brahma is also believed to have worshipped Shiva here, hence the temple's holy water is called Brahma Theertham. The deity’s name, Pasupateeswarar, originated from the cow’s (Pasu) devotion to Shiva, highlighting the temple's deep-rooted mythological connections.
The Pasupateeswarar Temple is located 127 kilometers by road from Coimbatore, with a railway station in Karur along the Erode-Tiruchy route. Covering 2.65 acres, the temple's front gopuram towers at 120 feet. The presiding deity, a swayambu lingam, is known as Pasupateeswarar or Aanilaiappar. The temple also has two shrines for the goddess Ambal, Sundaravalli, and Alankaravalli, with Sundaravalli’s shrine facing south.
The temple's architectural features include two inner corridors and a prominent 100-pillar mandapam, a significant part of the complex. The gopuram is adorned with intricate carvings of mythological figures, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the time. The temple’s majestic structure, coupled with its historical and spiritual significance, continues to draw devotees and visitors alike..