Koothanur

Koothanur is a town situated in the Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu, India (10.9315° N, 79.6474° E). The town is located at a distance of 25 kilometers from Tiruvarur. A temple for Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning is situated in this place. Koothanur is the only temple in Tamil Nadu for the goddess Saraswati. Saraswati is considered as the goddess of knowledge so people believe that if they worship this deity they will become good in knowledge.

The Rare Idol Of Aadi Vinaayugur

Unlike the popular elephant-headed idols seen across the country, Koothanur’s Aadi Vinaayugur Temple depicts guNEsh in a fully human form. The Lord is revered as Nara Mukha Vinayaka here. The 5-foot-tall idol is adorned with a serpent ornament, called NaagaabhuruNum, around his waist. This statue represents what many believe to be the original form of guNEsh.

Carved in granite with distinctly human features, it's believed to be built in the 7th century. It's steeped in age-old iconography, and stands as one of the most intriguing and ancient representations of Lord guNEsh. The idol is enshrined with great reverence, and visitors often speak of the serene yet powerful aura within the sanctum.

Temple Legends And Spiritual Significance

History of Koothanur

Koothanur is the birthplace of the Tamil poet Ottakoothar. Legend has it that the Chola emporer Rajaraja Chola II named this village in honour of Ottakoothar, hence the name Koothanur. Koothanur has become an important tourist spot since.Vijayadasami festival is celebrated in Koothanur which is one of the most important festivals in this temple.

References

• Tourist Guide to Tamil Nadu. Sura Books. p. 76. ISBN 81-7478-177-3, ISBN 978-81-7478-177-2.

See also

• Koothanur Maha Saraswathi Temple