Kannudayanayaki Amman Temple, Nattarasankottai,
Sivaganga
Kannudayanayaki
Amman Temple is located at Nattarasankottai Village in Sivaganga District of
Tamilnadu. Kannudayanayaki Amman is also called as Kannathal. Nattarasankottai
is believed to be the first place of settlement of the Nagarathars, after they moved out from the Chola
Kingdom in the early 17th
century. The Nagarathar streets are cemented and well flourished. The world
famous Kannathal Temple, which is said to have built in the mid-18th century,
is situated in the heart of the village town.
The
deity, Kannathal alias Kannudaya Nayaki Amman is famous for her
powers in giving the boon of eyesight to the devotees with eye defects and
other ailments. She is seen with eight hands and has an udukkai (a
percussion striking instrument) and muvizhai sulam in her hands. Her
left leg stamps the Asura by name Mahishan.
The
famous poet Kambar, who translated Valmiki Ramayana to Tamil, spent his last days in Nattarasankottai and his tomb
is situated here. Not many public know of his tomb. The renowned town of Kalaiyarkoil which is famous for Kaleeswarar temple is situated
few miles away. The famous Kollangudi Vettudaiyar Kali temple is also
nearby.
Legends
For
brief details, please refer below link;
The
Temple
The
temple has been built by the Nagarathars as a way of fulfilling their vows to
the Goddess. The Goddess Kannudayanayaki was present in this place for many years.
It was in the 18th century a temple was built for her. There is a
big pond in front and the temple itself is spacious. The Main entrance leads
into a multipillar hall with elaborate carvings.
The
temple main praharam is east facing and you are led into a praharam with the
main garbagruha in front. The Amman is in the standing posture with 8 upper limbs
and is smiling. The sanctum sanctorum, Ardhamandapam, Mahamandapam (spacious
halls) were constructed by kings earlier.
The
Nagarathar people later improved the temple with a special mandapam called
Alankara Mandapam, a tall Rajagopuram (tower) with architectural beauty and a
Karnakkal Mandapam called Chokkattancherry, a special beautiful hall) with all
architectural and aesthetic beauty. A Theppakulam (Temple Tank) was also built.
There
are so many Vahanas (vehicles) made of fine wood, silver etc. as horse, a
silver chariot, silver armour etc. The Goddess is dressed with the Golden Angi
on the first Fridays of the month contributed and arranged by the Nagarathar
community in Singapore.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Pooja
Timings
·
Vila
puja at 7.30 a.m.
·
Kalasandhi
puja at 8.30 a.m.
·
Uchikala
puja at 12.30 p.m.
·
Sayarakshai
puja at 4.00 p.m.
·
Arthajama
puja at 8.30p.m.
Festivals
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Prayers
People
seek remedies for their vision problems, for child boon, progress in education
and removal of obstacles in marriage alliances. Devotees perform Abhishekam and
offer Vastras (clothing) to the Goddess.
Contact
Sri
Kannudayanayaki Amman Temple,
Nattarasankottai,
Sivaganga District
Phone: +91 4575 234220
Connectivity
The
temple is situated in Nattarasankottai which is almost a part of Sivaganga. The
temple can be reached from Madurai, or from Pudukottai. It is about 4 kms from
Sivagangai from Melur on the Madurai side. It was exactly 125 kms from
Pudukottai. The temple is centrally located in Sivaganga town. Nearest
Railway Station is located at Sivaganga and Nearest Airport is located at
Madurai.
