In Pictures: Kokkattichcholai Sivan Temple
Thaanthondreeswaram
by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
Lord Shiva is the destroyer or transformer. He is viewed as the supreme deity in Hinduism. There are five famous Eashwarams-Sivan temples in Sri Lanka.
They are Thirukoneswaram in Trincomalee, Thiruketheeswaram in Mannar, Naguleswaram in Jaffna, Munneswaram in Chilaw, and in Batticaloa.
The temple in Kokkattichcholai is a “Thaanrhondreeswarar”. It means a Sivalingam ’sprung up by itself’ and a temple was built later by the villagers in the vicinity over the course of time. The Sivalingam which sprung up by itself is called “Suyambulingam” as well. The Hindus believe that the Sivalingam is more than 10,000 years old. Devotees from various parts of the country travel to to the renowned Kokkattichcholai temple, during special holy days. They join devotees of lord Muruguan pilgrimaging to Kathirgamam during the season by foot, taking jungle paths, crossing rivers and mountains.
There is a legend surrounding the temple according to the villagers in Kokkattichcholai. In the time long past, Kokkattichcholai was a forest. Some hunters roaming Kokkattichcholai, saw honey on top of a Kokkatti tree. Being charmingly delighted to reap the honey, they began to cut the tree with axe; but the tree began to bleed. The hunters were terrified and realized the presence of a divine deity in the tree, and they left the place immediately. A woman came to the spot and dressed up the wound carefully. Afterwards a small Sivalingam budded from the wound of the tree.
The risen Sivalingam was discovered by a man who was sitting by the tree in penance.
A view of the “Kopuram”-at the entrance of a temple at noon
The most pinnacle of “Kodithambam”, where flag is hoisted during the annual festival.
“Kodithambam” is decorated with silk and straw
Residents want to live peacefully
“Moolasthaanam” of the temple
Thavil and Nathaswaram are being played during the main pooja
Devotees observe fast and gather at temple to pray before breaking the fast
Panchararththi is offered to the devotees
The chief priest blesses the devotees
These drums are called “Parai”, which are beaten at temples in Batticaloa district
School children visit the temple on special days
Divine vehicles are parked outside the temple. Men carry these vehicles, whcih carry the idols during the festivals
Many devotees travel to Kokkattichcholai from others parts of the country
The wooden chariot is more than 8,000 years old according to the villagers
Camphor is lit at the main entrance of the temple
Devotees squeeze coconut to make curries
Kavadi dancers at the temple
Sivasubramaniyam Somasundaram (79) visits Kokkattichcholai Thandrondreeswarar temple annually
Meal for the devotees is being prepared
Inner route of the temple is filled with sand
Another view of the “Kopuram” from inside the temple
Temple compound is decorated with trees and flags
Main entrance of the temple
A female devotee at the temple
Savoury shops during the festive time
Western route of the temple
Devotees take a rest under a Kokkatti tree
[Slide presentation of Kokkattichcholai Sivan Temple, Featuring Nadhaswaram by Karukurichi.P.Arunachalam ~ ‘Sabapathikku’]
__________________________________________
Email:dushi.pillai@gmail.com
4 comments March 14th, 2008