India is a land of many religious, linguistic and regional groups and the common culture of the land unites them together. It became the birth place of religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism and a shelter house to religions of foreign origin like Islam and Christianity. Hinduism forms the major one, which promotes the worship of many Gods and Goddesses.

Amman worship as a continuation of the Sakthi worship of the Indus Valley people is commonly found in all the villages of India. It is interesting to see that from Kashmir to Kanyakumari this Goddess is worshipped in different names.

Tamils have strong attachment to religion and take much interest in religious matters. Hence said, no dwelling in a village, having no temple. Temples and gods have greater impact on mankind to control himself. Each temple has its own solemnity and serenity. India is a land of numerous faiths. In its southern end the found. In such a beautiful site the temples stand with a special structure.

External Structure of the Temple

Arulmigu Bhathreswari Amman temple and the other temples at Koottalumoodu have been built on the model of the vedic temple. This is quite contrary to the Dravidian pattern of the south. First, the temple was constructed as a peetam, and then it was replaced by a mudwalled and that ched roof structure. Later alterations brought the existing concrete structure. The front portion of the temples is beautified with mandapams. On the right side of Arulmigu Bhathreswari temple (ie. On the southern side) Arulmigu Ganapathy temple and Arulmigu Ayyappa temple are located. On the left side of Arulmigu Bhathreswari temple (ie. On the northern side) the peedams in respect of sree Boothattan, Sree Balamurugan, sree vethalam and the temples of Arulmigu Nagaraja and Arulmigu Yakshi Amman are located. In the front, on the right side corner of the Arulmigu Bhathreswari temple the peedam in respect of Sivayogi is located. On the fromt side of Arulmigu Bhthreswari temple (i.e.on the eastern side) Arulmigu endowed with natural beauty.

Tamil sangam age called God as ‘KO’. The assembly of the people was called ‘11’ so koil is the route of the two words Ko+il – Koil. Hence the residing lace of God is called koil. One can get comfort and solace in the temple. Koottalumoodu Bhathreswari temple is a temple which gives peace and solemnity to the devotees. Everty temple has places of specific significance. Among them palliyarai or srikoil is very prominent.

The place where the chief deity seated in the temple is called srikoil or palliyarai. The deity or Arulmigu Bhathreswari is also provided with a srikoil in Kootalumoodu. The door of the Palliyarai is made of iron in 6 feet height, and 2.5 feet breadth. When there is no pooja the door place is closed by red-silk cloth. There is also another door made a teak wood behind the iron door. A big lamp (vilakku) is placed in the Devi of roots are growing downward from the branches of the main tree. Many of them have reached the earth to strengthen the tree, the height of the tree is about 200 feed. This trees has spread over a large area. This is giving shelter to all temples. This baniyan tree teaches the well wishers to all temple that when the old people are not able to manage the temple affairs young people are coming forward to take charge from them and working hard for the welfare, of the Devasthanam, as if the new roots growing down ward from the branches of the baniyan tree to strengthen the tree. The roots of this tree are under the soil. They are not visible. They are taking food components from the soil and sending them to the tree. As such large number of liberal minded people are giving donations for the welfare of this Devasthanam without any publicity. These temples are protected and beautified by a compound wall constructd around it. Bhathreswari Amman Matriculation School is located on the north – eastern side. At the entrance of the temple there is a well with perennial supply of good drining water.

Dharisana Panthal

Mandapam straight to Devi. “Vilakku” is a pure Tamil word. It is called Deepam in the north. The vilakku is sacred, so Thiru is supplemented and called Thiruvilakku. Offering boxes are seen on both sides of the Srikoil. One offering box is erected in the Sri Devi Mandapam. Lion is the vehicle or the Devil. It is the faith of the devotees that the Devil will bless them if they come with pure heart and free mind. While worshipping the Devi in the temple, the worshippers are expected to keep a distance from the idol of the deity. They are to assemble in the particular place of the temple, which is called Dharisana Panthal.

The place where the devotees assemble to worship is called Dharisana Panthal. No devotees will be worshipping Devi by facing the front side in a straight manner. On both sides iron-bars are fixed so as to keep the worshippers, stand behind the iron-bars. The height of the bar is 3 feet. There is a big bell on the front side. Dharisana panthal with 3 side Mandapam is located in the front side.

Internal structure of the Temple

In the beginning there was no idol in the temple for worship and in its place picture was kept. It was replaced by stone structure and now it is found in granite. The idol of Devi is surrounded by lamps such as Arathavilakku and water in a crunch, nagaviakku, camphor plate and tampoola plate offerings. Coconut, fruits, bettle, arecanut, turmeric and kumkum are brought by the worshippers. This temple structure keeps a unique atmosphere in the place.

Importance of the Temple

The temples are the place where the devotees worship God and so the place of worship should be sacred. Temple premises surrounded by trees are always without any symptom of cholera. The mother disclosed the miracle to the devotees and thereby the people began to bring bunches of plantain as offerings. All the people got relief and the epidemic disappeared from Kottalumoodu. From this instance onwards people began to offer bunch of plantain. Then they beautified the temple during the festivals with bunches of plantain. During the festival days, about thousand bunches of plantain will be brought as offerings. It is a wonderful sight to the on lookers and a source of happiness to the devotees. The temple festival would be highly jubilious by all means. To add additional beaouty to the occasion the authorities are highly keen in giving a free play to the fire works programme.

The Item of Firing Crackers

Tradition says that breaking crackers is highly pleasing in the eyes of the Devi. She blesses those who offer this item in the festival. There are many stories about this. Who ever approached her for help could be blessed by her. As per one story, some years ago one ways. This temple is surrounded by cluster of baniyan trees. Its formation and maintenance belong to the Nadar Community of the locality.

Unlike most of the other temples, this had no tower (Gopuram). However, at present with the funds raised by way of offerings, subscriptions and donations a tower of 40 feet height is built. It is estimated that the cost of construction of the tower went about 2 lakhs or rupees. On 31st March 1991 its dedication known as Mahakumbabishekam was conducted. Following this Mahakumbabishekam there was heavy rain to end the harshness of the extreme summer and to fill the hearts of the people with the grace of Devi Bhathreswari. Besides this the temple atmosphere is very attractive to the devotees and on – lookers.

Atmosphere of the Temple

In the temple campus there are six temples and four peedams (altar). All these are located on the

Bhathreseari Temple

Devi Bhathreswari is seated on a Lionsback, folding the right leg. The leg has been placed on the Asura Padmasuran. She is found with 8 arms and a calm face. On all the 8 arms she is holding articles. The 8 articles kept in all the arms of Devi area: a) Udukku, b) Nagam, c) Thrisul, d) Sword, e) Kumkum Plate, f) Koduwal, g) Sheild and h) Camphore Plate. They give appearance to the Devi as showing benevolence ot the people. Generally the Trisulam in the hand of Devi is found in upward position. But in this temple the Trisulam in the hand of Devi is found in downward position as a warning that those who commit offence will be punished. Her ornaments and clothes resemble that of a traditional royal lady. She is ornamented with anglets, toes, metties, waist-belt, bangles, shoulder, bangles, nose-jewell, ear-ring and crown. Having of Devi temple and it is facing north. Lord Krishna seems to be playing of flute in the light of a big Vilakku. A silk screen is placed behind lord Krishna. There is one door made of teak wood. The idol is made of granite. In addition to this temple Yakshi Amman has also a temple.

Yakshi Amman Temple

Yakshi Amman temple is found in the extreme north. It is a big temple and when one enters the temple from the highway, he can enter first in this temple. A big door at the center and two windows on both sides are found. The windows are closed by silk screens. The idol is made of granite. Yakshi Amman is visible with a child in her hand as in all other temples. A big Nilavilakku, a hanging lamp and kumkum are placed in front of this Amman. The worship of Amman in the temple does not stand in the way of the worship of other temples since this Amman is found with calmface.

Nagaraja Temple

There is no roof or door to this temple. This temple has 3 feet height and 3 feet width. There are three naga idols of which one is five-headed, the next is virulent form in this part of the region. Then this region was under the Travancore state. It took a heavy toll of life and it is said that 9 to 10 average in a family, perished due to this terrible epidemic. Every where the death tone was heard. In most of the houses there was no surviver to remove the dead body. It was Left to the vultures and owls.

In this precarious condition eight children died in a family. Only the mother and a child were left out by the scourge. Finally the child was also affected by the epidemic. No medical aid was available. The mother ran here and there. All her efforts appeared fruitless and the child was about to die. At this critical juncture the mother took the child before the Devi and prayed. The mother having kept the child before the deity fell asleep. She had a dream that the Devi appeard and ordered her to offer her a bunch of plantain fruit and then dis-appeared. Next morning when the mother woke up, she saw the child silent and thought that the child was dead. But actually the child was sleeping comfortably. At once the mother rembered the vision of Devi in her dream. She saw the child completely safe the religious mark of kumkum pottu on the forehead and adorning with full solemnity she bestowes blessings to the people.

Adisankara Bhavgawat Padhar praised Devi Parasakthi as a glorious figure. He was followed by the modern tamil poets Kannadhasan, who described Devi in 5 names as Madurai Meenakshi, Kanji Kamakahi, Kasi Viasalakshi, Tillai Sivakami, Thirukadavur Abirami. Thus this renowned Goddess is worshipped in almost all places of India and also, in some places out side of India in various names and in different forms.

In addition to Bhathreswari temple 5 other temples are also established there in the premises.

Other Temples

Arulmigu Ganapathy temple and Ayyappa temple are found on the southern side of the main Bhathreswari temple. Temple of Lord Krishna is found in the eastern side of the main temple, facing north. The main temple the people through illustrations and spread through stories.

Stories of Arulmigu Bhathreswari Amman Temple

There is a tradition that some 500 years ago a person named chempon had a daughter who was incurably barren. She was eagerly longing for a child. She consulted many physicians and spent a lot of money. All her earnest efforts ended in failure. At last she sought the advice of an astrologer who directed her to go to Kottamkuzhivilai. There she saw a baniyan tree growing on a poovarasu tree. Astrologer asked her to construct a peetom beneath it and worship Nagar and Devi. She strictly followed the instruction and got a child. Chempon took this news of miracle to the people in and around him. After his death this place became a pilgrim centre.

Devi Helper of the sick

Some hundred years ago the usual outbreak of cholera epidemic in South Travancore occurred in a most i.e. Bhathreswari temple is in the middle an Yakshi Amman temple and Nagaraja temple are found on the northern side of the main temple. Each one has its own significance and popularity.

Aruimigu Ganapathy Temple

The shape of Ganapathy is derived from the Pranavaporul ‘om’. Ganapathy temple is situated near the Ayyappa temple. This idol is very small and it is facing east. In fromt of the idol a Nilavilakku is found.

Arulmigu Ayyappa Temple

The temple for Lord Ayyappa has a special feature. The idol of Ayyappa is placed here as if he is blessing the devotees. The idol is made of black granite. It is installed in a small temple with a NIlavilakku inside and the door to the temple is also small. This temple is also facing towards east and a baniyan tree is there by the side of it eastern side of Marthandam – Thengapattinam highway. The six temples are the following:

1. Arulmigu Ganapathy temple
2. Arulmigu Ayyappa temple
3. Arulmigu Bhathreswari temple
4. Arulmigu Krishnaswamy temple
5. Arulmigu Nagaraja temple and
6. Arulmigu Yakshi Amman temple

The cluster of baniyan trees in the campus given shelter to the weary devotes. Koottalumoodu was a portion of Koottankuzhi vilai. The name of the place Koottalumoodu came from this cluster of baniyan trees. The tamil verson for the cluster of baniyan trees is “Koottalu”, the bottom portion of the tree is called “Moodu”. Since the temple is situated beneath the trees, the temple is known as Koottalumoodu temple. The present cluster of baniyan trees are the branches of one age old baniyan tree. The age of this baniyan tree is about 500 years. The main stem of the tree is not clearly visible. Some portions of the main stem have been damaged. Hundreda family went on a travel and in the course of the journey a child lost its eye-sight. The family immediately brought the child and placed it at the feet of the Devi in the Kottalumoodu temple. After 21 days the Devi was child. Thus the child got back the sight. The blessed child and the family went to the temple every year and broke the crackers as offerings to Devi. This paved the way for worshipping the Dev with fire works. Now-a-days, this is a major item of the temple festival. It is said that competing parties conduct the programme of fire works, and onlookers from all walks of life and all the neighboring places rush to the temple to witness and enjoy this performance. This programme will be conducted on the last day of the festival. On that day the transport corporation of the district will make arrangements for special buses to the convenience of participants. Thousands of people are attending this festival.

This temple is found on the Marthandam- Thengapattinam highway. The formation of this road by a three headed and the last is a single headed one. Nagaraja is adorned with Turmeric powder and flowers on all “Aiyilai’ (Nakshthram or star) days. Abishekam is done with jingli-oil, water, milk and turmeric powder, In addition to these temples there are four peetoms in respect of sree Bhoothathan, Sree Balamurugan, sree Vethalam and sree sivayogi are also there.

Flagmast (Kodimaram or Dhawajasthampam)

It is erected to drive away the evils in favour of the righteous (Devarkal) and Sivaganankal. It is also considered as a symbol of protection, peace and prosperity to the people. Generally, it is made of golden pieces. In some temples Kodimaram is made of Sandal wood, Devadaru, Chenpakam and wilvam. In this temple flagmast is made of the festival occasion. Some people come forward and promise Kamugumaram as their offerings. Temple office bearers and village people with local drum performance called ‘mangalavadiyam’ go and fell the tree without touching the earth. After bringing the same to the temple, offering Nivediyas and Archanas are made and following Goddess Kanyakumari is worshipped in the name of Devi Kanyakumari, whereas in Kasi she is known as Visalakshi, in Nellai as Gandhimathi, Madurai as Meenakshi, in Kanji as Kamakshi, in Mondaikadu as Bhagawathy in Kollemcode as Bhathrakali, and in Kottalumoodu as Bhathreswari. Thus the goddess bestowas blessings to her devotees every where.

In the Kanyakumari district Amman worship and Amman temples are common in all the villages. One such village is Painkulam and the Amman temple at Kottalumoodu is known as “Kootalumoodu Arulmigu Ethathreswari Amman Temple”. It was established by the local people.

Location of the Temple

The place Kottalumoodu is about 9 kilometers away on the south-west of Marthandam and situated on the Marthandam Thegapattinam highway. This temple is located in the painkulam revenue village of vilavancode Taluk. The Amman temple of Kottalumoodu differs much from the similar ones of the other places in different the back side of the temple also has a story. Koottalumoodu is located on the Marthandam – Thengapattanam highway. As the Highway department was attempting to design the road, its survey staff decided to take the road by the front of the temple. But this was objected by the public and requested the staff to take the survey on the backside of the emple. But they refused and conducted survey in front of the temple. Consequently the survey staff had some eye-sight problem, They realized their folly and worshipped the Devi and prayed for forgiveness. Then as a miracle they got back their clear vision. After that they took the survey by the backside of the temple, and the present highway is running at the backside of the temple.

Structure of the Koottalumoodu Arulmigu Bhathreswari Amman temple by its location and design does not differ much from that of the other similar temples of the district. But the awareness of the local people to develop a national out look in the matter of worship is really praise worthy these formalities the flagmast is erected. The flagmast thus erected does not remain on the spot through out the year.

Talapuranam

Puranam means old. It is classified into three parts. They are:
1. History of the great people of the place.
2. History of the place and its greatness and lastly.
3. History of the God and his magnanimity. Large Number of places are found without temple. But temple is the symbol of piety. Culture and tradition. Each temple has its own history. Talapuranam aswakes the people from illiteracy and ignorance. The primary duty of the Talapuranam is to spread the aims of the religion among the people, who are unable to grasp the efficacy of religion. So these religious doctrines are taught to