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

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

This Kotravai a mother goddess worship is being followed from ancient times. Kotravai is believed to be a goddess of fertility, agricultures and hunting. Old Kotravai Sculptures can be seen in which Kotavai hold “plough tool – ஏர், and Bow & arrow. Latter she had become the goddess to give victory in the wars. Soldiers sacrifice themselves by cutting and offering their heads to get victory in the war. Slowly Kotravai transforms to Mahishasuramardini, by the Vedas and puranas.  Once a main deity Kotravai, has become a Koshta deity called as 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 buffaloe’s head. She Kills Mahisha with Trishul. She wears ornaments in ears, on 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 which includes this Kotravai. This Kotravai with 8 hands ( Ashtabujam ), holding various weapons like Sword, Conh, 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 structure is shown like skeleton. This is the transformation stage of Mahishasuramardini to Durgai. It was told that this Kotravai belongs to 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, holds various weapons like sword, Shield, Conch, Chakra, etc,. Lower right is holding a flower and 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 comple decoration was done after abhishekam. The Kotravai is in standing posture with 8 hands holding various weapons.  Head is little turned towards left.

The Temple is dedicated for 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 ---