Monday, July 30, 2018

Azhagiya Koothar Temple (Veera Pandiswarar Temple), Kattarimangalam, Thoothukudi

Azhagiya Koothar Temple (Veera Pandiswarar Temple), Kattarimangalam, Thoothukudi
Azhagiya Koothar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kattarimangalam Village in Sathankulam Taluk in Thoothukudi District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Veera Pandiswarar and Mother is called as Nalla Thavam Nachiyar. The Temple is also called as Veera Pandiswarar Temple. It is one of Pancha Natarajar Sthalams. Natarajar here is called as Azhagiya Koothar. The sthapathy who created the Chidambaram Nataraja moorthy is said to have created five Moorthies. Apart from Chidambaram, the other four moorthies are present in the following temples around Thirunelveli: Kari Soozhntha Mangalam, Kattarimangalam, Mela Karuvelankulam and Chepparai.


Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
The Temple
There are two entrances in the Temple. One entrance is from east and the other one is from south. But southern entrance will be open only during festive days. Balipeedam and Nandhi house in Stone Mandapam are found facing the Sanctum located outside the eastern entrance. Shrine for Sangili Boothathar can be found at the right side after entering the eastern gate.


Presiding Deity is called as Veera Pandiswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Small Nandhi can be found facing the Veera Pandiswarar in the sanctum. Idols of Vinayaga and Lord Murugan can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. Utsava idols of Somaskanda, Piriyavidaiyaal Ambal, Manikavasagar can be found at the left side of the sanctum.

Mother is called as Nalla Thavam Nachiyar.  There are shrines for Dhakshinamoorthy, Kanni Moolai Kanni Vinayagar, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Chandikeswarar, Durga, Saneeswarar and Bhairava in the Temple premises. Unusual feature of the temple is Navagrahas graces with their consorts.

Nataraja of this Temple is called as Azhagiya Koothar and Mother is called as Sivakami Ambal. There is a tunnel from the pond located outside the temple to the well situated near Saneeswarar shrine. This arrangement explains ancient technique in water harvesting. Though there are centuries old Vanni tree and Maha Vilva in the Temple, Sthala Vriksham is Pomegranate Tree.

Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 04.30 PM to 07.00 PM.
Festivals
Sankatahara Chathurthi, Theipirai Chathurthi, Monthly Shivarathri, Karthigai, Monthly Pournami, Margazhi Thiruvadirai and Aippasi Thirukalyanam are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.
Prayers
Devotees pray to Lord to get rid of Pithru Dosha, Navagraha Dosha, Marriage obstacles, diseases and depression. Those who want to get married will circumbulate the temple three times and pray to Lord Shiva.
Contact
Azhagiya Koothar Temple (Veera Pandiswarar Temple),
Kattarimangalam, Sathankulam Taluk,
Thoothukudi District – 628 613
Mobile: +91 9486381956 / 9442054034
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Peikulam Bus Stop, 13 Kms from Sathankulam, 15 Kms from Srivaikuntam Railway Station, 17 Kms from Srivaikuntam, 17 Kms from Alwarthirunagari, 31 Kms from Thirunelveli, 53 Kms from Thoothukudi, 38 Kms from Thoothukudi Airport and 153 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram Airport. There are regular buses from Thirunelveli to Peikulam. From Peikulam, take another local bus or auto to reach this temple.