The rock cut Pillaiyarpatti temple is 12 km from Karaikudi perched on top of a small hill. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple is considered to be one of the oldest cave temples in Tamil Nadu. There are rock cut images of Shiva and Lingodbhavar at the temple. The image of Lord Ganesha is a huge bas relief in one of the caves at the temple and stands 6 feet tall. There is also a Shiva Lingum at the temple carved out of a stone by a renowned sculptor by the name of Ekkattur Koon Peruparanaum whose signature is found every where on the sanctum.
There are several inscriptions found at this temple. The inscriptions give an idea of the age of the temple. It is believes that the temple was built in 3 stages. The first stage dates back around 1600 years and during this time the innermost rock cut shrines of Karpaka, Vinayakar and Tiruveesar were made.
There are several inscriptions at the temple that date back to the period from 1091 to 1238 when Pillayarpatti Nagarattar was the custodian of the temple. The 2nd phase of the temple was conducted during this time in the 13th century. During this phase the Vimanams and Rajagopurams were built. The 3rd phase of the temple involved repairs and refurbishment of the entire temple complex.