Ayyanar Temple, Kochadai
Madurai has several Ayyanar temples. The people here widely worship Grama Devatas (Village Deities) with great devotion and faith. The Ayyanar temple in Kochadai is very famous. The natives of Madurai from all communities fervently worship Ayyanar as their Family and Village Guardian deity.
Ayyanar is a village deity revered as Kaaval Deivam (Guardian Deity) of the villagers, cattle and crops. In Tamil, the word 'Ayya' denotes a lot of respect, and Ayyanar is a widely revered deity. You can usually see huge idols of Ayyanar installed outside the villages at the border and in temples.
This Temple is 2000 years old and is known for housing 21 deities, including Muthiahswami, Karuppuswami, Agni Veerabadrar, Karuppayi Amman, Sangilikaruppu, Kaluvadikaruppu, Meiyandi Amman, Nagappaswami, Sannasi, Aadipoosari, Pechiamman, Muthukaruppuswami, Irulappaswami, Veeranaswami, Rakkayi Amman, Irylayee Amman, Chappani, Sonai Muniyandi and Badrakali.
Depiction of Ayyanar
Ayyanar is built like a fierce warrior depicted on a horse or an elephant. He holds a whip or a wand in his hand, symbolising punishment for evil-doers and for his judgement skills. He is seated between his consorts, Poorna and Pushkala. He is seen wearing a Yoga Patta or a meditation band. His most important companion is Karuppuswamy, the God with a fierce moustache and holding a large sickle.
Significance of Ayyanar
Ayyanar is widely worshipped as a Guardian or Family Deity in the villages and is closely associated with nature and fertility. He safeguards the village and removes all negative energies. He resolves all disputes and is revered as a God of the oppressed. He watches over the inhabitants and protects them from enemies, natural calamities, epidemics and wild animals. His protective shield is used against evil spirits and demons that threaten the peace and happiness of the people.
Speciality of Temple
Ayyanar can be seen in a very rare form in this temple. The presiding deity is Villayutham Udaya Ayyanar (Ayyanar with a Bow), in this posture, on a horse, and Muthiah with the Pancha Bhootas (Five Elements of Nature). If you go further, you can see the white elephant gifted to him by Indra, King of Gods.
Ayyanar, as Guardian of the Madurai border in this direction, graces with his consorts Poorna and Pushkala, with the horse and white elephant as his Vahanas (Vehicles). On his right is Karuppaswamy and Muthiah Sannidhi (Sanctum) and on his left is Nagappaswamy Sannidhi (Sanctum).
In front of the Moolasthanam(Sanctum Sanctorum), is the Shenbagavalli Ayyanar, Poorna and Pushkala.
Muthiaswamy came to Ayyanar seeking asylum and became famous here. So, the place is revered as Muthiah Kovil. Another speciality is the power of Ayyanar, which is so great that no horse or horse-drawn cart crosses this area out of reverence for the deity.
The Nagamman shrine under the temple's Sthala Vriksha (Temple Tree) is a speciality as devotees pray here to get relief from Sarpa Dosha or Naga Doshas (Snake Afflictions), other adverse aspects of snakes.
Sage Patanjali is believed to have performed penance at this sacred place.
A speciality is the festival of Purattasi (September-October), celebrated only by the villagers of Kochadai after obtaining permission from a lizard sound in a palm tree during this period. If approval is received, the festival will continue until next year.
Legend of Temple
Kochadai is a significant place of Shiva worship as he performed his 64 Thiruvilayadal (Blissful Pranks) here. Shiva once created considerable floods in the river Vaigai, which caused extensive damage to the village. King Pandya ordered one member of each family to repair the breaches. An older woman named Vandhi was the sole family member and could not do this task.
Shiva manifested as a youngster and promised to help Vandhi in return for her Puttu(Pudding). However, an angered King Pandya caned him with his whip (Kovichu Adi) as he found him asleep in the fields. Later, the king realised it was Shiva himself. The place became known as Kovichu Adi, later known as Kochadai where a Shiva temple was built.
Prayers
Devotees worship Ayyanar for a safe journey and success in their endeavours. Those with Kochadai Ayyanar as their Kula Deivam (Family Deity) offer their first prayers here before initiating any auspicious deeds. According to traditional belief disrespecting this deity could lead to misfortune. They offer prayers for seeking marriage and child boons. Devotees suffering from Naga Doshas offer milk and prayers at this shrine on Fridays to fulfil their wishes.
Timings
The temple is open from 11.00 am to 01.00 pm. It later opens at 4.00 pm and closes at 9.00 pm.
Access
Bus
The temple is closest to the Madurai Periyar bus stand, 4 kilometres away.
Train
The temple is 4 kilometres from the Madurai Railway Junction.
Airport
The temple is 15 kilometres away from Madurai International Airport.
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