Until about five years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams that our family would be able to construct a temple for our native god Kottoor Mariamman in the nondescript village of Kuthur in Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam district. However, my dream turned into reality when a small mound (soil nest) made out of mud that was worshipped as goddess Mariamman for years and years in this small village, gave way for Kottooraal, as she is affectionately called, to sit majestically in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. I should thank my cousin who took the lead and showed us the way in building this small, yet beautiful shrine amidst the tranquility of the village. Kuthur is located along the banks of river Vettaru on the Vaitheeswaran Koil – Mayiladuthurai route, a belt in the Nagai district of Tamil Nadu that houses lots of temples. It is believed that around two hundred years ago, an elderly man plodded his way to Peralam, (near Karaikal) from Vaitheeswaran temple to buy cattle.
Tired of walking for a long distance, he stopped at Kottoor village and rested for a while at a small niche, little realising it was a temple for Goddess Mariamman. Then, the deity appeared in his dream to inform the old man that she wished to visit his village (Kuthur). The old man immediately created the above nest and ever-since started worshipping Her as Kottooraal. Repeated attempts to construct a temple for the goddess did not bear fruit until 2011. Then, a committee to manage the affairs of the temple was formed which took up the work of sprucing up the temple. In the first phase, construction of rooms for the devotees was completed. The Tamil months of Chithirai and Vaikasi are considered special, as the temple festivals would be celebrated during this period.
‘Ma vilakku’ and ‘sarkarai sadham’ (sugar rice) are the special food offerings to the Goddess. There is a strong belief that those who offer sincere prayers to Kottooraal will be blessed with progeny, marriage and health. Every year, during February we visit Kuthur for a few days. The effervescence and child-like enthusiasm and happiness that we have before and after the visit are beyond words. The serene atmosphere of the village, its greenery and the unconditioned and uncluttered way of life of the people there, with the added gaiety of the temple, will entice you to come back here often, and carry loads of unforgettable memories back home.
Email: siva19kumar@gmail.com