Kovilpalayam

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Kovilpalayam is a town located 20km from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, on the Sathyamangalam road (National Highway 209). The postal name for Kovilpalayam is Sarkarsamakulam or S.S.Kulam in short, because there are quite a number of villages/towns in the name of Kovilpalayam, the nearest one to this town with the same name located in Pollachi. It is known for its Hindu temples.

The Kaalakaleshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, lies on the banks of the Kowsika River at Kovilpalayam. People from all over Tamilnadu and from other states visit on Pradosham day festivals. Another festival, Sura Samharam, for Lord Muruga, takes place after the week of Deepavali festival.

Kavayakaliamman Temple is located at Kavayanpathi, and named after King Kavayan. The temple here is dedicated to the goddess Shakti. The deity is seen holding a Thirisoolam (trident) and Agni (fire) in her two hands. In the prahara of the temple, there are statues of three soldiers sacrificing themselves by cutting their heads with swords. The specialty of the temple is that there is a practice of navagandam (people sacrificing themselves to the goddess). Fridays of the Tamil months of Aadi (July-August), Thai (January-February), as well as Sundays, Full Moon days, new moon days, and Navratri, are auspicious days for the temple.

Other temples include Sakthimaariamman Temple and Veeramachi Amman Temple.