The Visit to this Sri
Koothanachiamman Temple in Suruli R F was a part of “Mangala Devi
Kannagi’s Adichuvattil Heritage walk” - organised by Kumbakonam Vattara Varalatrua Ayvu Sangam, on 22nd – 23rd April 2024. Even though this temple was built in recent years, the Koothanachiar story was connected to
Kannagi. This temple is in deep forest.
Presiding
Deity: Sri Koothanachiamman
Some
of the salient features of this temple are…
The
temple faces North. Sri Koothanachiamman is in sanctum sanctorum. A simham,
Rishabam, a parrot, a pillar with bas reliefs of kootha Nachiar carrying the
curd on the head, Shankha, Chkra, a horse rider, Trishul, Rishabam are on the
pillar. Koothanachiar is in Sitting posture with abhaya varada hastam. Her tuft
is similarly shown similar to Andal's.
ARCHITECTURE
The
total temple consists of a sanctum sanctorum with a dome-shaped Vimanam. The
total temple was constructed with bricks.
HISTORY
AND INSCRIPTIONS
The
present structure may have been constructed during the 18th to 19th
century since the legend is also connected to the British period.
LEGENDS
As
per the legend, Koothanachiar, who lived in the 18th Century was a beautiful
lady and ardent devotee of Kannagi. She was also a well-versed dancer of pot/kuda koothu. She survives after selling the Curd in the Villages of this forest.
This area was ruled by the Britisher’s agent Pattani Durai. He happens
to see Koothanachiar and wants to attain her forcibly. She ran towards this place
and prayed to Kannagi and uttered loudly, that if she was a real follower of
Kannagi, this tree should split into two, to hider herself. The tree split into two and Koothanachiar hid herself in the tree. But her piece of saree frill
was protruding outside. When the Pattani Durai tried to pull her out. On
touching the saree, lightning struck and died. On hearing this the
locals worshipped her as Koothanachiamman
and a Temple was built for her.
It
was learned that during the process of running the curd in the pot which she
carried spilled on the path. This can be seen with the white color of earth. It is
further believed that the earth tastes like a curd.
Koothanachiar carrying curd pot
POOJAS
AND CELEBRATIONS
No
regular poojas are conducted and on Chithirai Pournami day the locals celebrate
in a grand manner after offering sweet Pongal.
TEMPLE
TIMINGS
There
are no regular poojas and the whole temple is open to the sky.
HOW
TO REACH
Sri
Koothanachiamman temple is in the midst of the reserve forest and about 9 km from
Surulipatti.
The
temple is 18 km from Gudalur, 33 km from Kumily ( Kerala ), 46 km from Theni, and 119 km from Madurai.
Nearest
Railway station is Madurai.
LOCATION
OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
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OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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