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Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Kannudayanayaki Amman Temple, Nattarasankottai, Sivaganga

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.