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 during recent years, 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 is facing 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 similar shown similar to Andal.
Vinaya
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 be constructed during 18th to 19th
century, since the legend also connected to British period.
LEGENDS
As
per the legend, Koothanachiar, who lived in 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 I the Villages of this forest.
This area was ruled by the Britisher’s agent called Pattani Durai. He happened
to see Koothanachiar and wants attain her forcibly. She ran towards this place
and prayed to Kannagi and uttered loudly, that if she is a real follower of
Kannagi, this tree should split in to two, to hider herself. The tree split in
to two and koothanachiar hide herself in the tree. But her piece of saree frill
was protruding out side. When the Pattani Durai tried to pull her out. On
touching the saree, a lightning struck and died. On hearing this the
locals worshipped her as Koothanachiamman
and a Temple was build for her.
It
was learnt that during the process of running the curd in the pot which she
carried spilled on the path. This can be seen with white colour 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 Chithirai Pournami day the locals celebrates
in grand manner after offering sweet Pongal.
TEMPLE
TIMINGS
There
is no regular poojas and the total temple is open to sky.
HOW
TO REACH
Sri
Koothanachiamman temple is in 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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