Kotravai / Mahishasuramardini / Durgai Worship at Perangiyur, Jambai, T Orathur and Thoravi in Viluppuram and Kallakurichi Districts, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to the Kotravai/Mahishasuramardini / Durgai sculptures in the temples of Viluppuram was a part of the "Viluppuram Heritage Walk" organized by History Trails on 24^th and 25^th July 2021.

This Kotravai, a mother goddess worship, has been followed from ancient times. Kotravai is believed to be a goddess of fertility, agriculture, and hunting. Old Kotravai Sculptures can be seen in which Kotavai hold “plow tool – ஏர், and Bow & arrow. Later, she became the goddess to give victory in the wars. Soldiers sacrifice themselves by cutting off their heads to achieve victory in the war. Slowly, Kotravai transforms into Mahishasuramardini, according to the Vedas and Puranas.  Once a main deity, Kotravai, has become a Koshta deity called Durga. 

Mahishasuramardini at Sri Jambunatheswarar Temple, Jambai, Kallakurichi district.

This Mahishasuramardini is 8 hands (Ashta bhujam) holding various weapons like a sword, Chakra, Cnch, Bow, arrow, shield, etc. Her left leg is resting on Mahisha, who is shown with a buffalo’s head. She Kills Mahisha with Trishul. She wears ornaments on her ears, neck, and hands. She also wears a Yagnopaveetha. Her Vahana simha is shown on the back of her legs. This Mahishasura Mardini belongs to the Rashtrakutas.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Perangiyur, Sri Chamundeshwari Amman Temple/Sri Samundeeswari Amman Temple, Viluppuram District.

In the mukha mandapa of Sri Chamundeshwari Amman Temple, there are many sculptures, including this Kotravai. This Kotravai with 8 hands (Ashtabujam), holding various weapons like a Sword, a Shankha, a Chakra, a Shield, a bow, an arrow, and a Chattai. Her lower left hand is in ooru hastam. She is standing on a buffalo’s head.  She wears ornaments and yagnopaveetha. Kotravai's structure is shown as a skeleton. This is the transformation stage of Mahishasuramardini to Durgai. It was said that this Kotravai belongs to the Pallava period (…?)

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

T. Orathur, Kotravai, Viluppuram District.

This Kotravai is on the banks of an Eri at T. Orathur in Viluppuram District. The Kotravai is about 6 feet tall in the form of a bas-relief. Kotravai is with 8 hands, and holds various weapons like swords, Shield, Conch, Chakra, etc. The lower right is holding a flower, and the left hand is in kadi hastam. Wears ornaments in the ears and on the neck. Her Vahana Deer is shown on both sides, which is a unique feature of this Kotravai.

LOCATION  OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Kotravai/Mahishasuramardini/Durgai at Thoravi, Viluppuram District. 

This temple is locally called Pora Koil. A Chozha-period Kotravai is in front of the sanctum sanctorum of Poraiyatha Temple. During our visit, the complete decoration was done after abhishekam. The Kotravai is in a standing posture with 8 hands holding various weapons.  The head is a little turned towards the left.

The temple is dedicated to Saptamatrikas. All the Saptamatrikas are kept in a row along with Vinayagar and Veerabhadra. The Saptamatrikas belong to the Chozha period.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---