When you arrive at Nandikal Lagoon, you will be greeted by a cool breeze mixed with a religious aroma that wafts through the tall Havana grasses surrounding the lagoon. Many miracles had occurred in this location, and it had become a sacred place of worship for Hindu and Tamil people alike. It can be seen that a large number of people come to worship here to express their grievances to God, pray for a better life, and pray for babies who have not yet been blessed with children.
This sacred site, known as Vattapalai Kannaki Amman Kovil, is dedicated to the goddess Kannaki. It is located in Vattapalai, Tamil Nadu. This Kovil had been constructed during the same period of time as a kovil had been constructed in Tamilnadu, which was dedicated to the same Goddess. Vattapalai Kannaki Amman Kovil is regarded as one of the most important temples in Tamil Nadu, as well as in India. When it comes to the Sinhala community, Goddess Kannaki is referred to as Goddess Paththini.
The Nandikadal Lagoon, with its Havana grasses, wide stretch of paddy fields, small marketplace, and beautiful sunset all contribute to the enchanting beauty of this location.
This temple is located in the Mullaithivu district of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the Maritimepattu DS Division. Buses are a convenient mode of transportation to the destination. Mullaithive bus station is located nearby. Once they arrive at Tanniyuttu junction, they must transfer to the B260 route bus to reach VattapalaiKovil, which departs from the bus station on the A34 route.

Vattapalai Kannaki Amman Kovil is regarded as one of the most important temples in Tamil Nadu, as well as in India. The Nandikadal Lagoon, with its Havana grasses, paddy fields, small market place, and beautiful sunset all contribute to the enchanting beauty of this location.

Goddess Kannaki has a long and illustrious history that is worth exploring. Kovelen was a wealthy merchant from India who fell in love with and married Kannaki. During one of his trade tours, he met Madhavi, who was working as a dancer at the time, and they began an affair. After a few months, he found himself with a penny less in his pocket, and he realized that he had abandoned Kannaki. Afterward, he returned to Kannaki and made the decision to sell her anklet. At the same time, the Queen’s anklet has been stolen by an unknown perpetrator. As a result of this error, Kovalan was apprehended and killed by King Pandian without a trial. Consequently, she exacted revenge on King Pandyan, who ruled the Madurai state and was responsible for the unjust killing of her husband Kovilan. As a result, she cursed the state of Madurai and completely destroyed it.
The month of May is the most significant for this temple. This is due to the fact that the main “Pooja” will take place this month. ‘VaikasiVisakamPongalTiruvilla’ was the title of the piece. Approximately one million devotees have taken part in this ceremony on an annual basis. It was organized by the Foundation of Contributors of kovil, which provided all of the necessary facilities to devotees, including food, sanitary facilities, and other necessities.
The “Poojas,” or religious ceremonies, in which people pray to the Goddess are typically held in the mornings and at night. Helicopters drop Pooja flowers from the sky in the early hours of the morning each day. The main Pooja ceremony takes place at night. When it comes to the main Pooja, the head priest leads the congregation in religious hymns and invites Goddess Kannaki to the Kovil (temple). Following the Pooja, a special meal dedicated to the goddess, known as “Prasadam,” is distributed among the devotees.
“Pandaram” drummers, who play specially designed drums, and “Kavadi” dancers from all over the country can be seen performing for Goddess in this location. It is a unique custom that can only be experienced in this location.
On the final day of the ceremony, the “Diya Kapeema” ritual can be experienced in the final morning of ceremony as a final ritual. They have used that water to light the lamps, demonstrating that miracles have indeed occurred in this sacred place in their efforts. The miracle is witnessed by a special “Kohomba Tree” and a well that continues to overflow throughout the year.

Goddess Kannaki has a long and illustrious history that is worth exploring. She exacted revenge on King Pandyan, who ruled the Madurai state, for unjustly killing her husband Kovilan. As a result, she cursed the state of Madurai and completely destroyed it. It was organized by the Foundation of Contributors of kovil, which provided all the necessary facilities for devotees. The “Diya Kapeema” ritual can be experienced on the final day of the ceremony.

Image Credit: thamilan.lk

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