Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Kottainachi Amman Temple, Kottaiyur, Karaikudi, Sivaganga

Kottainachi Amman Temple, Kottaiyur, Karaikudi, Sivaganga
Kottainachi Amman Temple is located at Kottaiyur, a suburb located in northern part of Karaikudi in Sivaganga district of Tamilnadu. Oorkaavalar Temple (God sighted under the Tamarind Tree located beside the Kottainachi Amman Temple; people pray to him as a "Kaaval Theivam" of Kottaiyur).
Kottaiyur Sevvai is the largest festival in the region and is celebrated for 10 days during the month of April on behalf of Kottainachi Amman. During this festival, the Urchava Moorthy of Kottainachi Amman is taken around the village twice a day as Kaalai Veedhi Ulaa (By men) and Iravu Veedhi Ulaa (In Sakadai by bulls).
On the 9th day (which always falls on a Tuesday - In Tamil "Sevvai"), there is a "Ther Thiruvizha" (Chariot festival) in which the Urchava Moorthy of Kottainachi Amman is taken at night to her Mother's home, called "Kaattu Amman Kovil", and which is located approximately 2 to 3 kilometres (1.2 to 1.9 mi) from Kottaiyur. On the 10th day, during the day, the Amman is brought back to Kottaiyur in the chariot. The festival finishes the night after "Manjal Neer".