Perur Pateeswarar Temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu, with inscriptions dating to the Chola period (9th–13th centuries), though the current structure was largely built by the Vijayanagara kings in the 16th century. The temple stands about 6 km west of the city centre in the suburb of Perur, and its gopuram (entrance tower) is visible from a distance across the flat land.
The temple's architecture is classical Dravidian — the gopuram is covered in carved figures of gods, demons, and celestial beings, and the inner mandapam has carved stone columns of exceptional quality. Non-Hindus are generally permitted to enter the outer courts. This is the more interesting of Coimbatore's temples for visitors interested in the great tradition of South Indian temple architecture.