The word ‘Avinashi’ means that which is indestructible or eternal. Avinashi is part of the ancient ‘Kongunaadu’ region which comprises the districts of Coimbatore, Salam, Dharmapuri, Karur and Palani. The Avinashi temple is located on the Chennai–Cochin NH47 highway, 10km from Tiruppur and 40kms from Coimbatore. This temple is regarded as the 1st of the 7 Tevara Stalams in the Kongu Region of Tamilnadu. The Lord Avinashilingeswara enshrined here is looked upon as the offshoot of the one in Kashi (Banaras). Thus Avinashi is called the Kashi of Kongunaadu. One of the unique features of this temple is that Lord’s consort named Karunaambigai Amman is seen on the right side of the Lord instead of on the left side as commonly seen in other temples. The most important Festival of this temple is the Ratha Yaatra (Car Festival) celebrated in the Tamil month of Chithrai (April-May). This Festival is one of the biggest events in this region, celebrated for 11 days. Sundaramoorthy Nayanar (one among the famous 63 Shaiva saints) is said to have miraculously rescued a boy from the clutches of a crocodile in Tamaraikkulam here. Since the deity here and the legends associated with it are indicative of victory over death, people from suffering from serious ailments are encouraged to offer worship as parihara.