Keezha Korukkai Temple, Kumbakonam

Timings

11 am to 1 pm, 5 pm to 6 pm

Main festival

Maha Shivaratri

Nakshatra

Avittam

Nearest railway station

Kumbakonam

Nearest airport

Tiruchirappalli

The legend of Korukkai

Local tradition tells of the sage Gorakkar, one of the Siddhars, who rested in a hut here after a long journey. On waking he found a sleeping woman beside him with the end of her sari in his hand. Determined not to break his vow, the sage severed the offending hand, then prayed to Shiva, who made it whole again. The village name, Korukkai, is said to recall this episode.

What is special here

Most Shiva temples have a single Nandi facing the main shrine, but this one has two: one before Shiva and another before the goddess. Devotees offer garlands of cashew nuts and groundnuts to the Nandis, praying for a change of fortune. People born under the Avittam star come to seek help with delays in marriage or in having children.

Timings and festivals

The temple keeps short hours, opening 11 am–1 pm and again 5–6 pm. Plan your day around these times, and call ahead if you are travelling far, since village temple hours can change. There are no shops or eateries at the temple, so carry water, and bring small change for offerings and the priest. Maha Shivaratri is the main festival, when the temple is decorated and stays busy through the night. Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees.

How to reach

Kumbakonam is the base for a visit. Local buses from the Kumbakonam bus stand run to the village, and Kumbakonam railway station is close by. Tiruchirappalli has the nearest airport. We can include Keezha Korukkai in a Kumbakonam temple itinerary with a driver who knows the village roads.

Also nearby