Kovilpathu Kothandaramar Temple, Karaikal

Address

Kovilpathu Kothandaramar Temple,

Kovilpathu,

Karaikal District – 609606.

Moolavar

Kothandaramar / Varatharaja Perumal

Amman

Sridevi, Bhoodevi / Seetha

Introduction

The Arulmigu Kothandaramar Temple is located in Kovilpathu, just 0.5 km from the Karaikal bus stand. The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 8:30 PM.

Beliefs

On Hanuman Jayanti, the Moola Mantra Yagam is performed in front of the Anjaneya shrine at the Arulmigu Kothandarama Temple. During this yagna, Navadhaniyam is offered along with other puja and yagna items. It is believed that devotees seeking blessings for education, wealth, removal of marriage obstacles, and a speedy marriage have their prayers answered quickly.

Special Blessings for Childbirth

Devotees seeking blessings for childbirth visit the temple.
Inside the sanctum sanctorum, there is a portable metal idol of Santhana Krishnan.
The priest briefly places the idol in the hands of the devotee praying for a child and then takes it back.
It is strongly believed that the woman will soon be blessed with a child after this ritual.

Special Features

The Kovilpathu Kothandaram Temple is a beautiful temple located along the roadside, facing south. On the left side, there is a separate shrine for Panchamukha Veera Anjaneyar, known as Sritharunethratasapuja Panchamukha Veera Anjaneyar. He appears in five forms:

Anjaneyar (front)
Narasimha (left)
Varaha Murthy (right)
Garudazhvar (back)
Hayagriva(top)

Anjaneyar stands in a north-facing position.

Other Shrines & Sanctum

Next to the Anjaneyar shrine are the Mahamandapam and the Garudazhvar shrine.
At the entrance of the Mahamandapam:
- Nagar on the left
- Azhvar Thirumeni on the right
Inside the sanctum, Varadaraja Perumal is enshrined in a standing posture, facing downward, with Sridevi and Bhoodevi.
In front of the deity, Utsavar Kothandarama, along with Sita, Lakshmana, and Anjaneyar, is present in a worshipping posture.
There is also an idol of Nammalvar inside the temple.

Festivals

Ram Navami (Panguni Month) – The grandest festival, celebrated with great pomp. On the 10th day, the Unchal Utsavam takes place in the southern mandapam of the temple.
Purattasi Saturdays – Special abhishekam and decorations are performed for the Lord and Goddess.
Vaikunta Ekadashi (Margazhi Month) – The famous Kannadi Sevai attracts large crowds of devotees.
Masi Mahatma Theerthavari – A sacred Theerthavari festival is conducted on the beach.
Other Festivals:
- Krishna Jayanti
- Hanuman Jayanti
- Narasimha Jayanti