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Koothanur Saraswathi Temple in Tamil Nadu - Story

Koothanur Saraswathi Temple in Tamil Nadu is a very rare temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The temple is located at Koothanur near Poonthottam which is on Mayiladuthurai to Thiruvarur bus route. The shrine is small one but is of great significance due to the rarity of Saraswati Temples in India.

The temple is located on the banks of Arasalar River. The belief is that waters of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati are present in the Arasalar River.

Story Of Koothanur Saraswathi Temple 

The legend of the Koothanur Saraswathi Temple is steeped in mystique and divine drama. It begins with a celestial quarrel between the revered deities, Goddess Saraswati and Lord Brahma. The disagreement escalates to the point where they both inflict curses upon each other, condemning themselves to be born on Earth, thus experiencing the mortal realm.

In an attempt to transcend her earthly fate, Goddess Saraswati seeks refuge in Lord Shiva. With his divine grace, she merges with the sacred Arasalar River, thus escaping the confines of human form. Before departing, she bestows her blessings upon the land, promising her divine presence in a shrine that would be established on the banks of the Arasalar River.

In the sanctum of the Koothanur Saraswathi Temple, the goddess is depicted in her divine form. The murti of Goddess Saraswati is adorned with symbolism reflecting her multifaceted nature. With three eyes symbolizing her omniscience, she sits gracefully upon a white lotus, the embodiment of purity and transcendence. Draped in a white silk sari, she exudes serenity and grace.

In her hands, she holds sacred objects, each laden with significance. Palm leaves symbolize knowledge, while the Akshamala represents the passage of time and the cycles of creation. With one hand in the chin mudra, she imparts wisdom and understanding to her devotees. In another hand, she cradles a nectar pot, symbolizing the elixir of life and eternal bliss.

The presence of Goddess Saraswati in the Koothanur Saraswathi Temple serves as a beacon of enlightenment and wisdom, drawing devotees from far and wide to seek her blessings and guidance on their spiritual journey. It is a place where the divine intersects with the mortal, transcending time and space, offering solace and inspiration to all who tread its hallowed grounds.

There is a Swayambhu Vinayaka Murti in the temple. There are also murtis of Valampuri Vinayaka, Baladandayuthapani, Nagaraja, Brahma and Swan.

Children perform the initiation ceremony into the world of letters here. The temple is visited by those people who want to excel in learning and art.

Arasalar River is also a popular spot for performing Shradh and Tarpan associated with the dead.

Koothanur Saraswathi Temple Darshan and Pooja Timings

5:30 AM to 11:00 AM
5:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Contact Details 
Sree Maha Saraswathi Amman Temple,
Koothanur,
Poonthottam Post,  607 503
Nannilam Taluk
Tiruvarur Dist.
Phone:04366-239909
E Mail : info@koothanursaraswathy.org