Famous Temples in India

Religious Significance

Kannathal vanquishing 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, Kannathal appeared in Simma vahanam (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.

Story behind the name Kannathal : 2 km South of Nattarasankottai, there are some villages in the forest area called Pirandakulam, Allur and Panangadi. Buttermilk vendors from these villages could not proceed after a particular point as they were hit by some power and lost the buttermilk and had to go back with empty hands. Scared and confused, they took the matter to the king in Sivaganga. A day before their meeting with the king, Goddess appeared in his dream and told him that she was under the earth in Pirandakulam village near a jack tree. The king told the people of his dream and went along with them to the place mentioned by the Goddess. He asked the people to dig the place. While one man was engaged the work, the crowbar hit his eye causing bleeding. While other man offered to continue the work, the first man said that he would do it himself and brought the idol out. The moment, the idol came out of the earth, his eye injury was completely cured and bleeding stopped. As the Goddess restored his vision, she was named Kannathal, the Goddess who gave eyes.