Ammapet Kokkeri Nataraja Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Kokkeri, Ammapet,

Thanjavur District,

Tamil Nadu– 613504.

Moolavar

Nataraja

Amman

Sivakamasundari

Introduction

Kokkeri Nataraja Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Kokkeri, Ammapet town, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. All ancient temples have a separate shrine for Nataraja. But it is rare to find temples dedicated to Nataraja. One such temple is the Kokkeri Nataraja temple near Ammapet. The temple, which used to be a small hall, is currently being renovated to build big one. Here the presiding deity is called as Nataraja and Mother is called as Sivakamisundari. Kokkeri is one kilometre away from Ammapettai in Thanjavur district.

Puranic Significance

A Chola king ordered the creation of a beautiful statue of Nataraja. No matter how much the sculptors did, the statue was flawed, so Chola said angrily that if the idol is not finished, he will decapitate it. So when the sculptors were in trouble, the old man and his wife came asking that they were thirsty and hungry. What is the food in the furnace field in the anger of the sculptors who were already upset? They angrily said that if you want food, drink molten metal. But the sculptors were thrilled to take the metal slurry without hesitation and he and his wife transformed into Nataraja Thirumeni and Sivagami Amma. Like Konerirajapuram, where the Lord himself stood as an idol, Lord Nataraja is a rare form in this Kokkeri. Nataraja who was worshiped by a Siddhar who lived in this area, built a temple and consecrated it. After him, the people of the village continue to worship this Nataraja temple. The Temple is believed to be more than 1500 years old. Later, Mangala Ganesha was enshrined in this temple.

Beliefs

Devotees pray for child boon, prosperity and fearlessness. Devotees offer vastras and ornaments to Lord.

Special Features

Tiruvadhirai festival is celebrated for five days starting from Tiruvadhirai day in the month of Margazhi (December). It is noteworthy that only this temple holds a 5-day festival for Nataraja in Thanjavur district itself. A Special abhishekah services are held.

Festivals

Chitra Poornima in April-May; Vaikasi Visakam in May-June; Aadi Pooram in July-August; Vinayaka Chathurthi in August-September; Navarathri in September-October; Maha Shivrathri in February-March are the festivals celebrated in the temple.