Nattarasankottai Kannudayanayaki Amman Temple, Sivaganga

Address

Nattarasankottai, Sivaganga District

Tamilnadu – 630556

Phone: +91 4575 234220

Amman

Kannudayanayaki

Introduction

The Kannudayanayaki Amman Temple, located in Nattarasankottai Village in the Sivaganga District of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the deity Kannudaya Nayaki Amman, also known as Kannathal. This temple holds historical significance and is known for its unique legends and healing powers.

Puranic Significance

Historical Significance:

Nattarasankottai is believed to be the first settlement of the Nagarathars, a prominent mercantile community, when they moved out from the Chola Kingdom in the early 17th century.
The Kannathal Temple, which is world-famous, is situated in the heart of Nattarasankottai.

Deity and Powers:

The presiding deity, Kannathal or Kannudaya Nayaki Amman, is renowned for her divine ability to bestow eyesight and heal various ailments, especially eye defects, to devotees.
She is depicted with eight hands and holds an udukkai (a percussion striking instrument) and muvizhai sulam. Her left leg is shown stamping the demon Mahishan.

Legends:

According to mythology, Kannathal emerged with the blessings she received from Lord Shiva to defeat Mahishan, a demon who was causing distress and suffering to the people.
Mahishan had a rare boon from Lord Brahma that he could only be slain by a woman. Kannathal, in the form of a powerful goddess riding a lion, vanquished Mahishan, relieving the people of his tyranny.

Origin of the Name Kannathal:

The name Kannathal is derived from a local legend. Two kilometers south of Nattarasankottai, in villages like Pirandakulam, Allur, and Panangadi, buttermilk vendors had difficulties reaching a certain point where they mysteriously lost their buttermilk.
The king had a dream in which the Goddess appeared and guided him to her idol buried under the earth near a jack tree in Pirandakulam. After unearthing the idol, the eye injury of a person involved in the excavation was miraculously healed. This led to the name “Kannathal,” meaning the Goddess who gave eyes, as “Kan” in Tamil means “eye.”

Beliefs

People seek remedies for their vision problems, for child boon, progress in education and removal of obstacles in marriage alliances. Devotees perform Abhishekam and offer Vastras (clothing) to the Goddess.

Special Features

Temple Structure and Improvements:

The temple complex includes a large pond in front, spacious halls, a multi-pillar hall with intricate carvings, and a tall Rajagopuram (tower).
The Nagarathar community played a significant role in enhancing the temple. They constructed an Alankara Mandapam, Karnakkal Mandapam called Chokkattancherry, and a Temple Tank (Theppakulam).
The temple features a range of vahanas (vehicles) made of fine materials, including wood, silver, and a silver chariot.

Festivals

The temple hosts various festivals throughout the year, such as Margazhi Thiruvadhirai, Maha Shivratri, Aadi Perukku, and Navaratri.
The Kaliyatta Vizha, celebrated once every 12 years, is a grand 48-day event.
During the Navaratri festivals, special pujas are conducted, and the temple performs Laksharchanas, reciting the Goddess’s glory with one lakh names.