Koothanur Saraswathi Temple is one of the few famous Goddess Saraswathi temples in India. The temple is located between Mailadumthurai and Thiruvarur rail route, about 1.5 km from Poonthottam village in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Saraswathi is regarded as the goddess of wisdom, education, art and music. She is also the representation of creativity, intelligence, skills, alertness and ego. Here in this temple, there are numerous inscriptions and writings on stones which provide valuable information regarding the magnitude of the temple divinity. A popular belief is that people who worship the goddess will become good in knowledge and will be blessed with name and fame.
Temple Features
In this temple Saraswathi is depicted as sitting on a beautiful lotus flower facing eastern direction with her musical instrument Veena. In her two upper hands she has hold a chain of letters called the ‘Japamala’ and one pot containing nectar respectively. In one of her two lower hands she has hold a book of divine scripts and offers symbol of protection with the other. If worshipped properly, she would be blessing her devotees without any reluctance. Since she is the Goddess of Knowledge, it is ideal for students to pray and offer Saraswathi pooja in this temple.
The Vinayaka idol in this temple is assumed to be natural with rare divinity. The temple has shrines dedicated to Valampuri Vinakayar, Narthana Vinayakar, Lord Brahma, Lord Nagaraja, and Bala Dhandayuthapani (Lord Muruga).
Offerings to Koothanur Saraswati Devi
The rituals performed by devotees to Goddess Saraswathi in this temple are believed to be highly rewarding. For having grace of the Goddess they can offer bathing of the idol in honey, milk, turmeric power, pure oil, curd, ghee, and fruit juices. Certain devotees offer white dresses for covering the idol of the Goddess.
Another popular belief is that childless couples who consume ghee offered at the feet of the goddess will be blessed with children very soon.
The ancient poets of Tamil Nadu with names Ottakoothar, Ovathakoothar, and Purushotham Bharathi were assumed to have gained wisdom and skills by worshipping Saraswathi of this temple.
Temple Festivals
Saraswathi Pooja and Vijayadashami are the most important festivals celebrated at Koothanur Saraswati Temple. On Vijaya Dasami day during Navaratri festival in the in Tamil month of Purattasi, children around the age of three start learning from this temple by writing letters in rice grains. This particular day is believed to be so auspicious to start new events.
Abhishekams and special poojas are offered to goddess on Moola Nakshatra days (Saraswati’s birth star), full moon days and Wednesdays.
History and Legend
As per history Raja Raja Chola II donated this temple and surrounding areas to poet Ottakoothar and the name of the place Koothanoor is derived after him.
As per legends, Koothanur is related to the merging of the three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi. The river Harisol which flows here is assumed to be the combination of the aforesaid rivers. Hence this place is popularly known by the name ‘Dakshin Triveni’.
How to Reach
Saraswathi Temple at Koothanur is about approximately 25 km from Mailaduthurai, 19 km from Thiruvarur and 40 km from Kumbakonam.
Contact Address
Koothanur Saraswathi Temple
The Administrator
Goddess Saraswathi Temple
Rudragangai
Poonthotam
Tiruvarur District
Tamil Nadu
Phone - 04366-239909
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