Sri Mahasaraswathi Temple

Overview

Koothanur is a small village in Tiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu, India. It comes under Enanallur Panchayath. It is located about 39kms towards east from District headquarters of Thanjavur and 10kms from Tiruvidaimarudur, 297kms from State capital- Chennai. Koothanur is surrounded by Tiruvidaimarudur And Kumbakonam talukas at north side, Kodavasal And Nidamangalam Talukas at the south side. Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Nanjikottai, Karaikal are the nearby Cities to Koothanur. This Place is at the border of the Thanjavur and Nagapattinam District. Nagapattinam District Kuttalam is north towards this place. Also it is in the Border of other district Thiruvarur

About The Temple

Temples dedicated to Goddess Saraswati are rarely ever found in India. There are very few temples in India dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi ; the Goddess of learning. Though we see Her idol along with other deities in most of other temples, a shrine dedicated to the Goddess Herself is very rare. Located in the Mayiladuthurai-Tiruvarur rail route and one and a half kilometres away from the village Poonthottam is the temple dedicated to Saraswathi – Koothanur.

About The deity

The presiding deity is Goddess Saraswati.Goddess of Wisdom Mahasaraswathi appears facing eastward with a book in the lower left hand, showing a protective symbol called Chinmudra with the lower right hand, the Akshara Mala (Chain of letters) in the upper right hand and the pot of Nectar in the left upper hand. Her eyes showers grace and the third eye showering knowledge and wisdom to the devotees. She wears the pure white saree and is seated on a White Lotus.

Legend and Stories

Once upon a time a young devotee desirous of knowledge performed severe penance at the Saraswati shrine seeking the blessings of Mother Saraswati. Goddess Saraswati took the form of a courtesan and stood in front of him and expressed her desire to bless him. The devotee refused to accept her blessings, not knowing who she was. Ottakkoothar rushed to the spot upon hearing of this incident, and instantly recognising the reality of the courtesan, the poet bowed down to her, seeking blessings. Only after this incident, the fame of Ottakkoothar spread throughout the Tamil literature world. In fact, the name Koothanur derives from the poet’s name Ottakoothar.

Festivals

Navarathri is celebrated for 18 days in the temple and on the Vijayadasami day special Pujas are celebrated especially for children beginning their education. During Poornima-full moon days and the days of Moola star, special pujas are performed. The crowd would be more during Wednesdays as the day belongs to planet Mercury, the planet God of knowledge. Also Tamil and English New Year days are celebrated in the temple.

Significance

People aspiring wisdom, knowledge and education come to this shrine seeking boons of name and fame. Children are admitted to schools after performing Pujas to Mahasaraswathi in the temple. Also those aspiring higher education, art and crafts and music visit the temple to get their desires fulfilled.

Accessibility

Airport

There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Thiruvarur. Nearest airport is Civil Airport.

Railways

Thiruvarur is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains. Railway Station(s):Thiruvarur Junction (TVR)

Road

You can easily get regular buses to Thiruvarur from other major cities of the country. Bus Station(s):Thiruvarur, Thiruvarur

Temple Address

Sree Maha Saraswathi Amman Temple,
Koothanur, Poondhottam Post,
Nanilam Taluk, Tiruvarur Dist.
Pincode-609503.