Kanadukathan Karaimel Azhagar Ayyanar Temple, Sivaganga

Address

Kanadukathan, Sivaganga district,

Tamil Nadu – 630103.

Moolavar

Azhagar Ayyanar

Amman

Sri Poorna Pushkala Ambal

Introduction

The Karaimel Azhagar Ayyanar Temple, located in Kanadukathan village in the Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the local village deity, Ayyanar.

The primary deity of the temple is known as Sri Poorna Pushkala Ambal Sammedha Hariharapudhra Maha Saastha Sri Karaimel Azhagar Ayyanar.
It is believed that Ayyanar is an incarnation of Lord Ayyappan of Sabari Malai.
The Parivara Theivangal (associated deities) in this temple are similar to those found in Sabarimala, where Lord Ayyappan is worshipped.

Puranic Significance

The origin of the temple dates back to a thorny bush where Ayyanar was once found. Later, a thatched shed was constructed by the five sons of Ayangudi Vellayan Chettiyar.
After 500 years, a stone temple was reconstructed in the same location.

Legends:

According to local beliefs, there is a story that when a young lady from Kanadu Kathan, a village in the vicinity, went outside and didn’t return for a long time, her voice was heard saying, “I have joined with Karuppar.” Since then, Ayyanar became the Kula Theivam (family deity) for the people of the region.

Special Features

Temple Architecture:

The temple faces east and features a thirukulam (temple tank) on the south side.
The main deity, Ayyanar, is depicted in a sitting posture holding a lotus in one hand.

Other Deities and Shrines:

The temple complex houses several other deities and shrines, including Nondi Karuppar, Pechiamman, Paramanur Kali, Periya Karuppar, Chinna Karuppar, 18m padi Karuppar, Pechi Muthamman, Akora Veerapathirar, Saptha maathakkal, Muneeswarar, Arasu Mukam, Sannasi (Sanyasi or a munivar), and Bairavar.
Additionally, there are Balipeedam (sacrificial altar) and an elephant vahana (vehicle) in the mandapam (hall).

Believers and Devotees:

Ayyanar is considered the Kula Theivam for the Kanadukathan Nattukkottai Nagarathars (the Chettiar community from this region).
It is also believed that Ayyanar serves as the guardian deity for other regions such as Madurai Melur, Naavinipatti, Valladappatti, Kottakkudi, and Attadaippatti.

Festivals

The temple hosts annual festivals and rituals regularly.
Ayyanar is considered an incarnation of Lord Sri Ayyappan and is believed to have married Poornakala and Pushpakala. He resides in this temple to bless the Nagarathars (the Chettiar community) as their Kaval Theivam (guardian deity).
There are stories of miracles associated with the temple, such as thieves who entered it losing their eyesight.