Karaikudi Koppudai Nayaki Amman Temple, Sivaganga

Address

Karaikudi Koppudai Nayaki Amman Temple, Sivaganga
Karaikudi town,

 Sivaganga district,

Tamil Nadu630 001
Phone Number: +91 -4565 2438 861, 9942823907

Amman

Koppudai Nayaki Amma

Introduction

The Koppudai Amman Temple, one of the oldest and most revered temples in Tamil Nadu, is situated at the heart of Karaikudi town in the Sivagangai district. Dedicated to Koppudai Nayaki Amman, this temple is considered the guardian deity of Karaikudi. The town’s name itself is derived from the “Karai” trees that once dominated the region. Historically, the area was known as Karai Kudiyetram, later shortened to Karaikudi. Unique among temples, the presiding deity (Moolavar) and the procession deity (Urchavar) are the same, akin to the famous Chidambaram Nataraja Temple.

Puranic Significance

The temple’s history is steeped in legends, particularly the bond between Koppudai Nayaki Amman and her sister, Kattamman. According to the tale, Koppudai Nayaki Amman, who had no children, treated her sister’s children as her own. However, due to a misunderstanding where Kattamman hid her children, Koppudai Nayaki left in anger and retreated to Karaikudi, where she meditated and attained divine status. This location later became the site of the temple.

Another version of the legend suggests that the idol of Koppudai Amman, originally hidden during a Mughal invasion, was later rediscovered by a cowherd under a Magizha tree. Devotees then constructed the temple at its present location.

Beliefs

Devotees worship Koppudai Nayaki Amman for:

• Healing from illnesses.
• Marriage and childbirth blessings.
• Prosperity in agriculture and trade.

Performing abishekam (ritual bathing) and offering vastras (clothes) are common rituals for fulfilling prayers.

Special Features

1. Architectural Marvel:
   • The temple, believed to be 1,500 years old, features a three-tiered gopuram (tower) at the entrance.
   • Intricately designed inner sanctums and peaceful ambiance offer spiritual solace.
   • Separate shrines for Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan (as Dhandayuthapani), Karuppanna Swami (the guardian deity riding a horse), and other deities enhance the temple’s grandeur.
2. Panchaloha Idol:
   The idol of Koppudai Amman, crafted from the sacred five-metal alloy, is believed to possess healing properties. The anointment milk from the Goddess’s abhishekam is considered medicinal.
3. Unique Features:
   • The Sri Chakra, installed by Acharya Adi Shankaracharya, amplifies the temple’s spiritual power.
   • Unlike other temples where guardian deities face north, Karuppanna Swami here faces east, symbolizing education, prosperity, and courage.
4. Rath Festival:
   • The temple’s car for the procession, uniquely made of palm tree frames and Thaiyilan Kodi stems, is a marvel of engineering.
   • The car procession passes through a canal, showcasing the special craftsmanship required to handle the terrain.

Festivals

The temple celebrates numerous vibrant festivals, drawing thousands of devotees:

1. Sevvai Perum Tiruvizha:
   • A 10-day festival, starting on the last Tuesday of Chithirai (April-May), is the temple’s most prominent celebration.
   • Includes the Poochoridal (flower offering) ritual.
2. Other Key Festivals:
   • Tamil New Year (April 14).
   • Purattasi Navaratri (September-October).
   • Aadi Tuesdays (July-August).
   • Margazhi Tirupalli Ezhuchi (December-January).
   • Panguni Darabishekam (March-April).

Century/Period

1500 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Karaikudi

Nearest Railway Station

Karaikudi

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple