Ammapet Kokkeri Nataraja Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Ammapet Kokkeri Nataraja Temple, Thanjavur

Kokkeri, Ammapet,

Thanjavur District,

Tamil Nadu– 613504.

Moolavar

Nataraja

Amman

Sivakamasundari

Introduction

• Location: Kokkeri, near Ammapet Town, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.
• Deity: Presiding deity is Nataraja (Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance form), and the goddess is Sivakamisundari.
• Temple Type: A rare temple dedicated exclusively to Nataraja, with a legend linking it to the Chola dynasty.
• Historical Significance: The temple is over 1500 years old, believed to be consecrated by a Siddhar and originally built during the Chola period.

Puranic Significance:

• A Chola king ordered the creation of a Nataraja statue. When the statue failed repeatedly, an elderly couple appeared and drank molten metal, transforming into Nataraja and Sivakami Amma.
• The temple is also linked to the legendary Siddhar who consecrated the idol after the transformation of the couple.

Beliefs:

• Devotees pray for child boons, prosperity, and fearlessness.
• Many offer vastras and ornaments to the deity as a mark of devotion.

Special Features:

• Tiruvadhirai Festival: Celebrated for five days starting from Tiruvadhirai day in Margazhi (December). It is the only temple in Thanjavur district to hold this extended festival.
• Special abhisheka services are conducted during the festival.

Festivals:

1. Chitra Poornima (April-May)
2. Vaikasi Visakam (May-June)
3. Aadi Pooram (July-August)
4. Vinayaka Chaturthi (August-September)
5. Navaratri (September-October)
6. Maha Shivarathri (February-March)

Century/Period

1500 years old

Nearest Bus Station

Kokkeri

Nearest Railway Station

Ammapet

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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