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".