Koviloor Kotravaleeswarar Temple - Sivaganga

Address

Koviloor Kotravaleeswarar Temple – Sivaganga

Koviloor via Managiri,

Sivagangai District,

Tamil Nadu -– 630307

Phone: (04565) 436846

Moolavar

Kotravaleeswarar

Amman

Thirunellai Amman.

Introduction

The Kotravaleeswarar Temple in Koviloor, located near Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu, is a magnificent and historically rich temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Presiding Deities:

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, known as Kotravaleeswarar.
The goddess of the temple is Thirunellai Amman, with an endearing legend associated with her name.

Puranic Significance

The Koviloor temple of Sri Kotravaleeswarar is believed to have been initially built by King Veerasekara Pandiyan, approximately 1,500 years ago. At that time, Koviloor was known as Saliwadi (Land of Rice) and Kalani Vasal (Land of Agriculture).
The temple is associated with an intriguing legend. It is said that King Veerasekaran lost his sword during a hunting trip and later found it at the spot where the temple stands today. In gratitude, he initiated the construction of the temple and named the deity Kotravaleeswarar, which translates to “the God who saved the King’s sword and courage.”
The temple also has a heartwarming legend associated with Thirunellai Amman. It tells the story of a mother who realized that it was the divine presence that saved her rice grains when her daughter failed to guard them. The Goddess became known as Thirunellai Amman, the “Goddess who saved the rice grains.”

Special Features

Architectural Splendor:

The Kotravaleeswarar Temple is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture, featuring intricate and stunning sculptures.
The temple boasts a seven-tiered Rajagopuram, which is constructed according to the ‘Agama’ tradition and is adorned with beautiful sculptures.
The temple also features seated stone cows on the high temple walls, which are known for their lifelike appearance.
Visitors to the temple will be delighted by the colonnaded naves, impressive sculptures, and monolithic columns.
Two magnificent chariots constructed with concrete can be found on both sides of the temple’s entrance.

Temple Tank:

The temple tank, named Madhu Puskarani, is situated on the eastern side of the temple and is known for its perennially filled waters. Even during the hot summer months, the tank remains full.

Painted Ceilings:

There is a beautiful mandapam on the southern side of the temple with intricate paintings on the ceiling. These paintings are created using natural dyes and depict various scenes, including the Rasi chakra in the center of the ceiling.

The Kotravaleeswarar Temple in Koviloor is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the rich history and artistic excellence of the region. The legends associated with the temple add to its charm, and its stunning architecture and surroundings make it a must-visit destination for devotees and admirers of art and culture.