The Koothanur Saraswati Temple, located in the village of Koothanur in Tamil Nadu, is one of the few temples in India dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning, wisdom, and the arts. This temple holds special significance as it is Tamil Nadu’s only temple with Saraswati as the main deity, which is a rarity in the country. Temples devoted exclusively to Saraswati are seldom found, making Koothanur a unique pilgrimage site.
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| Saraswathi temple. koothanur TN. photos.wikimapia.org |
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| koothanur temple and the goddess, TN .nativeplanet.com |
The temple's history is closely linked to the Tamil poet Ottakoothar, who was a prominent figure in the court of the Chola dynasty. Legend has it that Ottakoothar received the divine blessings of Goddess Saraswati, which granted him the ability to compose rhythmic and captivating poems. His poetic talent earned him widespread admiration. In recognition of his abilities, King Rajaraja Chola II, the grandson of Vikrama Chola, gifted him the land where the temple now stands.
One of the unique aspects of this temple is the representation of Goddess Saraswati in an uncommon form. She is depicted with three eyes, seated in a yogic posture with one leg folded. This striking image is a feast for the eyes of devotees. Unlike the traditional portrayal of Saraswati holding a veena, the prime deity at Koothanur does not hold a veena, which makes the temple even more distinctive.
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| Koothanur Saraswathi temple, TN i.ytimg.com |
The temple is especially popular during the festival of Vijayadasami, which is celebrated with great fervor. On this day lots of young children aged 3 to 5 are brought to this temple from various parts of the delta districts of Tamil Nadu and other places to initiate them into the world of knowledge on the temple premises with blessings from the goddess. Navaratri, another major festival, is celebrated for 18 days, drawing devotees from various parts of the region. These festivals highlight the temple’s cultural and religious importance.
Koothanur Saraswati Temple continues to be a beacon of devotion for those seeking wisdom and learning. Its historical and cultural significance, combined with the rare depiction of Saraswati, makes it a must-visit for pilgrims and tourists alike.
The temple is easily accessible, with Trichy International Airport located about 126 kilometers away, serving as the nearest airport for travelers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koothanur_Maha_Saraswathi_Temple
https://wikimapia.org/9202080/ta/Sree-Saraswathi-temple-Kuthanur-rkp-Koothanur
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