Kutrallam Kutraleeswar Temple represents one of the five Pancha Sabhas of Nataraja Swamy – Chitra Sabhai. The five dance halls of Lord Shiva are Natarajar Temple Chidambaram, Meenakshi Temple Madurai, Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple Thiruvalangadu, Nellaiappar Temple Tirunelveli and Kutraleeswar Temple Kutralam. Kutralam is also known as Trikootaachalam, Thirukutralam, Thirukutralanadar Temple, Courtallam Kutraleeswar. Kutralam waterfalls is a popular tourist resort in Tamil Nadu.
The presiding deity is Lord Shiva worshipped as Arulmigu Thirkkutralanathar and Goddess Parvathi as Arultharum Kuzhalvoimozhi. According to the legends, this Shiva temple was actually Vaishnavite (Vishnu) temple. Sage Agasthiar, shrunk the Sri Visnu image and converted it to a shiva temple and named it Kutralanathar, therefore the deity has a permanent headache and to cure him, the abhisheka is practiced every night with 64 herbs. During the pooja at night, a mixture of herbs such as Prasadam is prepared. The shape of the temple’s conch indicates that it was a Vaishnative temple. Since the conch is sacred to the Vaishnavites.
There are 89 inscriptions in the temple. 10 inscriptions belonging to the period of Parakesari Varman and Paranthahan Chola kings. Only the first inscription refers to the god as Thirukkutrala Perumal and those belonging to the later god period as Kutralathevan and Madevan.
Statues of Vallaba Ganapathy, Lord Muruga with a bow in his hand with his wives Valli and Deivanai facing each other. There is a series of Shivalingas on the waterfall’s rocks as if performing an Abishek to the Lord. The water of the falls, which performs an Abishek to the Lord, is considered very sacred and brings benefits to the devotees who bathe in it. Shrines for sage Agasthya and one for his disciple Shivalaya Muni are there.
It is believed by praying Kuttralanathar and having a bath in this waterfall will get relief from Skin disease and mentally retarded people.
Those who suffer from severe headaches use Thaila Prasad (Oil Prasad) and rub it on the forehead to cure it.
During the saral season and the Iyyappa season the food donation is made for 100 people, and on other days for 50 people daily, starting at 12:00 pm.
Kutrallam Kutraleeswar Temple Timings:
Morning: 6.00 AM to 12.00 Noon
Evening: 4.00 PM to 7.30 PM
Thirukutralam Temple:
| God | Arulmigu Thirkkutralanathar |
| Goddess | Arultharum Kuzhalvoimozhi |
| Theertham | Sivamathu Ganga Theertham (Peraruvi) |
| Sthala Vriksham | Kurumbala Tree |
| Sakthi Peetam | Dharani Peetam – Sri Parasakthi Peetam |
Kutralam Kutraleeswaran Temple Pooja Times:
Ettu Kala Poojas are performed as per Magudagamum in Arulmigu Thirukkutralanathasamy Temple, Courtallam
| Pooja | Timing |
|---|---|
| Thiruvananthal | 6.00 AM |
| Uthayamarthandam | 7.00 AM |
| Vila Pooja | 8.00 AM |
| Sirukala Sandhi | 9.00 AM |
| Kala Sandhi | 10.00 AM |
| Utchi Kalam | 12.00 Noon |
| Sayaratchai | 6.00 PM |
| Arthasamam | 8.00 PM |
Kutrallam Kutraleeswar Temple Cars/Chariots:
There are five temple cars and it is the specialty of this temple.
- Arulmigu Vinayagaka Car
- Arulmigu Murugan Car
- Arulmigu Nataraja Car
- Arulmigu Swami Car
- Arulmigu Amman Car
Courtallam Kutraleeswar Festivals:
| Festival Name | Days Celebrated |
|---|---|
| Chithrai Vishu Thirunal | 10 days |
| Aippasi Vishu Thirunal | 10 days |
| Margazhi Thiruvathirai Thirunal | 10 days |
| Navarathri Thirunal | 9 days |
| Adi Ammavasai Patthira Theepa Thirunal | 1 day |
| Avani Moola Thirunal | 1 day |
| Aippasi Thirukkalyana Thirunal | 1 day |
| Kandha Shasti Thirunal | 6 days |
| Karthigai Theepa Thirunal | 1 day |
| Thai Maha Theppa Thirunal | 1 day |
| Masi Matha Sivarathiri | 1 day |
| Panguni Uthira Thirunal | 1 day |
How to Reach Kutrallam Temple:
By Air:
Madurai International Airport is the nearest airport 161 km.
By Rail:
Tenkasi Railway Station is 7.1 km and Sengottai is 8.5 km
By Road:
This temple is located about 5 km from Tenkasi. Tenkasi is connected to other parts of Tamil Nadu by road and train. Tenkasi is easily accessible by bus from Madurai and Tirunelveli. Bus services from Tenkasi to Courtalam are available. From Kerala to Punalur we can reach Courtalam.
Thiru Courtrallanathar Swamy Temple Address:
Courtallam,
Tenkasi Taluk,
Tirunelveli District,
Tamil Nadu – 627802.