Koothanur Nagapattinam
Koothanur is a small village in the Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu state of India. However, it is located at a distance of near about 45kms from Nagapattinam. Nagapattinam is a city that is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu. In the year 1981, Nagapattinam city came to existence with head quarters too. Moreover, city is very popular for fishing. Nagapattinam city has also played a major role in the history of the Tamil Nadu state. Nevertheless, it also dates back to the Sangam Era. Sangam Era was the period being ruled by the Cholas and the Pandyas. Nagapattinam is famous for the near by towns which includes Koothanur, Velankanni, Sikkal, Vedaranyam and many more. The temples around the Nagapattinam city include Shri Kayahorana Swami Neelayathatchi Amman Temple, Preumal Temple and many more.
Koothanur village is located at a distance of near about 22 kms from Tirunvarur. It is near about 15kms away from Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu state, India. Koothanur place is very famous for the ancient Saraswathi Ambal Temple. The Saraswati Ambal Temple is dedicated to the goddess of learning i.e. Goddess Saraswathi. Koothanur is associated with the Ottakoothar, The Tamil Poet. Legends say that the place is associated with the convergence of the three rivers Yamuna, Saraswati, and Ganges.
According to legends, once a young devotee was very desirous of knowledge. He performed severe penance at the Saraswati Shrine to seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. However, Goddess Saraswati took a form of a courtesan, came before him, and expressed her desire to bless him. The young boy refused to accept her blessings because he did not know who she was. After hearing this incident, Ottakkoothar, a poet rushed to the spot. Ottakkoothar recognized the identity of the courtesan and thus the poet prostrated before the courtesan (Goddess Sarawati) to seek the blessings. After this happening incident, the fame of Ottakkoothar spread throughout the Tamil Nadu state. Even the name of Koothanur has also derived from the poet's name Ottakoothar.
The temple of Goddess Saraswati situated here is unique in its own way! However, temple at Koothanur is specially and exclusively dedicated to the Goddess of learning, Saraswati. Although, there are many other shrines to Saraswati in most of the Shaivite temples. Moreover, there are also shrines, which are dedicated to Lord Brahma and Goddess Sarawati. In the second millennium, it is believed that the poet Ottakoothar again erected the shrine of the goddess.
However, one must visit at least once the Temple of Goddess Saraswati. So, plan a trip to Nagapattinam and do not forget to visit Koothanur!