Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Temple

One of Tamil Nadus most sacred Ganesha shrines, this ancient rock-cut cave temple near Karaikudi houses a six-foot bas-relief of Karpaga Vinayagar carved directly into the hillside. Dating to the 7th century CE and built by the early Pandyas, the presiding deitys right-curled trunk (Valampuri) is considered especially auspicious. A major draw during Vinayaka Chaturthi, it sits at the heart of Chettinad country, making it a rewarding stop on any Madurai to Rameswaram road trip.