Nattarasankottai

Geography

Nattarasankottai is located at 9.87°N 78.57°E / 9.87; 78.57. It has an average elevation of 75 metres (246 feet).

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Nattarasankottai had a population of 5887. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. Nattarasankottai has an average literacy rate of 72%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 79%, and female literacy is 66%. In Nattarasankottai, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Interests

Nattarasankottai is famous for the Kannathal temple. Also, Nattarasankottai is believed to be the first place of settlement of the Nagarathars, after they moved out from the Chola Kingdom in the early 7th century. The nagarathar streets are cemented and well flourished.

The world famous Kannathal Temple, which is said to have built in the mid-18th century, is situated in the heart of the village town. The deity, Kannathal alias Kannudaya Nayaki Amman is famous for her powers in giving the boon of eyesight to the devotees with eye defects and other ailments. She is seen with eight hands and has an udukkai (a percussion striking instrument) and muvizhai sulam in her hands. Her left leg stamps the Asura by name Mahishan. As per mythology, Kannathal emerged with blessings she obtained from Lord Siva (the God of Creation,Sustenance and Destruction of evil, in Hindu Mythology) to vanquish Mahishan, who was giving trouble and anxiety to the people. Mahishan had a rare blessing from Brahmadeva that he will not die in the hands of men and he will only be executed by a woman. After heeding to the voices of the tortured people and Devathas, Kannthal appeared in Simmavahanam (Lion as vehicle) and executed him by stabbing in his heart. She is praised by many a number of devotees who have experienced her blessings. One could find names like 'Kannappan' (for male children), 'Kannathal', 'Kannammai' and 'Kanmani' (for female children) abundant in the community. Mavilakku, a flour made offering for the Goddess is offered by the devotees to appease her and to get her blessings. Vaikasi Visakam festival, celebrated for 10 days, is famous for the temple and on the 8th day, the Goddess in the form of KaliattaKannathal decorated by 'Kazhuthu Uru' (a Nagarathar Ornament) is taken in the silver adorned chariot around the temple.Also Amman is taken in Golden chariot on 7th day on and Wooden Chariot on 9th day .On 10th day night the function is called as "Mosa kuthu"(Muyal-Rabbit in english) one rabbit will be killed by using the long knife by poosari every year on this 10th day.Crowd of people will be there in the particular place to see this function.

Special government buses ply during these days from Madurai. The temple is famous for its architectural marvel and Golden Kumbhams over the Temple tower. Kaliattam, a festival celebrated once in 60 years was celebrated in 1996 with much pomp and pageantry. The first 'Kumbabishekam' (Consecration of the temple) took place on September 12, 1938, the second on September 6, 1976 and the third on May 1, 1989 and also last kumbabishekam was on 2005. The temple is efficiently managed by the village Nagarathars. 'Sevvai Pongal' during the Tamil month Thai, is a festival that is celebrated by Nagarathars of this village, during which tickets will be pooled and drawn and based on that places near the temple are allotted to all the nagarathar families for making Pongals. Non-Nagarthars also contribute a lot to this festival. Other festivals of the temple include 'Muzhalkuttu Thiruvizha' during the Tamil month of Aadi, 'Navarathri' during the Tamil month of Purattasi and 'Thailakkappu Utsavam' during the Tamil month of Thai. There are many temples in Nattarasankottai of which a Sivan temple is also famous. AshtamiThiruvizha and Sivarathri are the famous festivals of this temple. In addition that Nattarasankottai has lot of temples is covered this town like Ayyappan, Sivan, Perumal, Hanuman, Ramar, many marriammans etc.

The famous poet Kambar, who translated Valmiki Ramayana to Tamil, spent his last days in Nattarasankottai and his tomb is situated here. Not many public know of his tomb. The renowned town of Kalayarkovil which is famous for Kaleeswarar temple, is situated few miles away. The famous Kollangudi Vettudaiyar Kali temple is also nearby.

The valiant Maruthu brothers (the early freedom fighters and the rulers of the erstwhile Sivagangai) were among the early patriots who fought against the British occupation.

Education

There are two higher secondary schools and two elementary schools and one English medium middle school and one ITI and vocational training institute. S.RM.Higher secondary school for boys KMSC Girls high school Visalakshi vidyasala school KP.RM.School Sri Kannathal English primary school and Sathyamurty ITI and vocational Training Institute