Kottayur Sri Chelliamman Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Kottayur Sri Chelliamman Temple, Kottayur Post, Valangaiman Taluk, Thiruvarur District Mobile: +91 94439 75740

Deity

Amman: Sri Chelliamman

Introduction

• Location: Kottayur Village, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Presiding Deities: Chelli Amman and Siddhi Vinayaka.
• Sthala Vriksham: The sacred tree associated with this temple is the Neem tree (Vembu in Tamil).
• Theertham: The temple’s holy water source is called Shivakulam.
• Historical Context: The village of Kottayur derives its name from its historical cultivation of oilseeds, as “Kottayur” signifies a place where oil seeds were sent for crushing. The temple is close to notable nearby temples such as Needamangalam Santhana Ramar, Yamunambal Chathiram, Alangudi Guru Bhagwan, and Agastheeshwarar temples, adding to its religious significance.

Puranic Significance

• Village Custodian: The local people have long worshipped Siddhi Vinayaka for prosperity and Chelli Amman as the village’s protective deity or Kuladevatha for many families. This reflects a common Tamil tradition where specific deities, like Amman in various forms, are seen as the protectors and guardians of their communities.
• Temple Restoration: Over time, as the original temple began to decay, the villagers took initiative, following a strong sense of community pride and devotion. Inspired by the architecture of the Lord Agastheeshwarar Temple, the local devotees raised funds to rebuild the temple, reflecting the traditional practice of temple renovations being led by community efforts, which is common in many Tamil Nadu villages.

Beliefs

• Chelli Amman as Kuladevatha: Many families in the region regard Chelli Amman as their family deity, which highlights the deep-rooted tradition of Kuladevatha worship in Tamil culture. Siddhi Vinayaka is revered for blessings related to education and overall prosperity.
• Offerings: As a symbol of gratitude and devotion, devotees who have had their prayers answered often offer Navadhanya (nine varieties of food grains) to the temple, a practice that is commonly seen in many agricultural communities in Tamil Nadu. During the Vaikasi festival, devotees partake in fire-walking rituals, carry milk pots, light Maa Vilakku, and distribute Kanji (a type of porridge) to the poor as part of the puja, reflecting the traditional Tamil emphasis on both spiritual and community welfare during festivals.

Special Features

• Temple Layout: The temple complex consists of two main deities: Chelli Amman and Siddhi Vinayaka, with the entrance to the Siddhi Vinayaka shrine located on the eastern side. Behind, on the left side, there is a shrine dedicated to Kaman (Cupid or Manmatha), which adds a unique aspect to the temple’s layout. On the right side is a shrine for Mari Amman, another form of the powerful goddess.
• Direction of Deities: Siddhi Vinayaka faces east, symbolizing the dawn of knowledge and prosperity, while Chelli Amman faces north, reflecting her role as a nurturing and protective force.
• Age and Renovation: The temple, believed to be over 500 years old, was last consecrated in 2014, following the tradition of Kumbhabhishekam (consecration) that many Tamil temples undergo every 12 years to rejuvenate the spiritual energy.

Festivals

The temple celebrates a variety of festivals that are deeply embedded in Tamil culture, including:

• Tamil New Year (14th April), a major celebration marking the start of the traditional Tamil calendar.
• Fridays of the Aadi month (July-August), which are especially significant for worshipping goddesses like Amman, known for their protective powers during this period.
• Purattasi Navarathri (September-October), celebrating the nine forms of the goddess.
• Masi Magam (February-March), known for its association with water-based rituals and purifications.
• Kaman Vizha, a unique festival celebrating Manmatha, the god of love.
• Vinayaka Chaturthi (August-September), which is widely celebrated across Tamil Nadu as a major festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha (Vinayaka).

Century/Period/Age

500 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kottayur

Nearest Railway Station

Needamangalam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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