The visit to the Kotravai / Mahishasuramardini
/ Durgai sculptures in the temples of Villupuram was a part of the Villupuram Heritage
Walk organized by History Trails on 24th and 25th July 2021.
This Kotravai a mother goddess
worship is being 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 had become the goddess to give victory in the
wars. Soldiers sacrifice themselves by cutting and offering their heads to 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.This Mahishasuramardini is 8 hands (
Ashta bhujam ) holding various weapons live sword, Chakra, Cnch, Bow, arrow,
shield, etc. Her left leg is resting on Mahisha, who is shown with a buffaloe’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 Rashtrakutas.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
Perangiyur,
Sri Chamundeshwari Amman Temple / Sri Samundeeswari Amman Temple, Villupuram 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
Sword, Shankha, Chakra, Shield, bow, 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, Villupuram District.This Kotravai is on the banks of an
Eri at T. Orathur in Villupuram
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, Villupuram District. This temple is called locally as
Pora Koil. A Chozha period Kotravai is in front of sanctum sanctorum of Poraiyatha Temple. During our visit, 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 belongs to Chozha period.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
This Mahishasuramardini is 8 hands (
Ashta bhujam ) holding various weapons live sword, Chakra, Cnch, Bow, arrow,
shield, etc. Her left leg is resting on Mahisha, who is shown with a buffaloe’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 Rashtrakutas.
Nice article, thank you for sharing wonderful information. I am happy to found your blog on the internet.
ReplyDeleteYou can also check - History of Tamil Nadu in Hindi
Sorry I do not know Hindi
Delete