Culture of Karur
Karur was in earlier days part of some of the largest empires that ruled the South. Being a part of many dynasties helped the city to develop its own values and beliefs that over a period of time shaped the culture and tradition of the whole Tamil population. Karur, known for its history and beauty, is a famous tourist destination which gets a lot of visitors all round the year. Karur has a lot to offer, whether it is the temples, the festivals or the scenic beauty in and around Karur. The cultural factors that you see in Karur are similar to the rest of the state. The Tamil festivals and fairs, auspicious occasions and days etc are mostly all the same. The temples here in Karur are of utmost importance along with the pilgrimage centres here.
People of Karur
Karur has got not just temples but also some great men associated to them, Karurar Siddhan was one amongst them. He was the most famous one amongst the 18 siddhas. He lived in the town of Karur and has great stories attached to his life. He finally attained his Jeeva Samadhi at Kalyana Pasupathieswarer temple which is also one of the seven abodes of Lord Shiva. It has now become an important religious place, with devotees traveling from all around the country to visit the temple. Karuvurar, who lived during the medieval times in Karur, was the one of the nine devotees who composed the divine music Thiruvichaippa. He lived there during the reign of Rajaraja Chola 1.
Architecture of Karur
The Pasupathieswarer temple was built during the Chola dynasty and even today stands tall and beautiful with excellent works of carving done on its wall. The famous sculptures representing the 5 ft high Pasupathiswarlingam being bathed by the milk oozing from udder of a cow is a sculptural beauty and masterpiece. The Kalyana Venkattaramasami temple, where the idol of Lord Vishnu is situated on the top of a hillock, is also known for its work of art. The Sri Arupadai Murugan temple dedicated to Lord Subramanian is another sculptural beauty near Karur, which was built during the times of the Chera rulers. It is located in the North West side of Karur, near Cauvery River.
Festivals in Karur
The main and the most awaited Tamil festival
celebrated here at Karur is ‘Pongal’ which is a harvest festival
celebrated at the end of the harvest season giving thanks to the Sun
god. The festival signifies abundance and prosperity and brings a time
of feasting and thanksgiving for the Tamilians. The other important
festival celebrated is the Ekadashi festival celebrated on the 11th day
of every lunar fortnight. The Sri Mariamman temple at Karur, which is
the second largest Amman temple of Tamil Nadu, celebrates its annual
festival with great pomp and grandeur where the ‘kumbum’ from the temple
is brought to the Amravati River along with a huge procession. Large
crowds of people irrespective of caste and creed are seen being a part
of this festival. The Pasupathieswarer temple celebrates its 13 days
long ‘Panguni Uthiram’ festival during the month of March-April. Also it
celebrates ‘Arudra Darshan’ or ‘Thiruvadirai’ in the month of
December-January. This too is conducted with a lot of enthusiasm and
grandness with large crowds of people attending them. Tourists
especially come in during the festive season to be a part of the city’s
best time. During the festive days you see a different wave in the city
whether it is most loved Pongal season or the various temple festivals,
they are celebrated with vigor and enthusiasm.
Dance Festivals in Karur