Saraswathy temple Koothanoor
This is only temple for Goddess Saraswathy in Tamilnadu .
Koothanur is a small village located near Poonthottam in the heart of the Temple belt of Tamil Nadu.
Saraswathi namasthubyam varathe
Kamarupini Vidyarambam karishyami
Sithir bavathu me satha
Meaning of the slogan
Salutations Mother Saraswati, giver of boons, fulfiller of desires
Bless me, so that I begin my studies successfully, may there be accomplishments.
It is believed that a visit here and praying is good for those who pursue studies.
Before joining my grand daughter in school we decided to get the blessings of Goddess Saraswathy and do aksharaabyasam (Aksharaabhyasam or Akshara abhyaasam or Vidyaarambham is a traditional religious function in which the child is given initiation of education so that the child is ready to receive formal education) .
Formerly I have gone to this temple for my daughters 10th and +2 exams . During those visits we just prayed keeping a pen with which she’s going to write the exams .
During those visits there was not much shops and no hotels or restaurants nearby.
During our recent visit we could buy near the temple all pooja articles along with white saree ,lotus garland, book, pen slate and chalk.
Initially we did archana to Goddess Saraswathy and came around the temple .In one corner they have kept a plate full of paddy on which they asked the parents to have their kid on their lap and write the first letter ‘A’ or ‘Aa’ in Tamil . Then to write on slate and book . This ritual is known as Aksharaabyasam. Usually this ritual takes place during Vijiyadsasami in the temple in a grandeur manner and the priest themselves will conduct the rituals.
Children who stammer or slow in talking are given honey in this temple and its believed it improves them .
The origin of the word Koothanur was a village gifted by Raja Raja Chola II to the poet Ottakkoothar. The temple has attained popularity by gaining the status of the only temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi. Devotees throng the place praying for their children’s education, liberation from previous births by taking a bath in the Triveni Sangamam.
As per legends Ottakoothan, an ordinary mortal, earnestly sought the blessings of the Goddess Saraswathi and Lord Pillayar (Arul Gnana Vinayakar) to grant him the gift of the ability to compose poems. Bathing in the river Harisol daily and by offering floral tributes to the Goddess, he got his boon fulfilled when the Goddess, came in a very beautiful boat in the river, in the form of a lovely woman and gave him to wish . From the day King Rajaraja Chola (grandson of King Vikrama Chola), gifted this land to Ottakoothar. This Ambalpuri has come to be known as Koothanur. It is learnt, that this place was known as “Ambalpuri”, about a 1000 years ago, even before poet Ottakoothan was born.
The main deity Goddess Saraswathi, in a penance performing posture, confers Her blessings on this world as the prime deity, only in this temple. A beautiful three eyed form, with one leg folded in a yogasana pattern, is afeast for the eyes. Another special feature is that there is no veena in Ambal’s hands in the prime deity.
On all nine days navrathiri festival, ambal is bedecked specially and special poojas performed. Maha Ganapathiis also celebrated here . On saraswathi Pooja Day and Vijayathasami Day, Maha Saraswathi is taken out in procession on the swan. In particular, devotees perform pooja directly to the beautifully decorated extended feet of the Goddess on Saraswathi pooja Day.
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