Courtallam
Courtallam (Kutraalam) is a panchayat town situated at a mean elevation of 160 m (520 ft) on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu, India. Many seasonal and a few perennial rivers such as the Chittar River, the Manimuthar River, the Pachaiyar River and the Tambaraparani River originate in this region. Kutralam is a popular tourist resort in Southern Tamilnadu known for its waterfalls, amidst picturesque surroundings - and is a source of inspiration of many a literary work. Thousands visit this town when the waterfalls are in season. Kutralam represents one of the 5 Pancha Sabhas of Nataraja - Chitra Sabhai. The five dance halls of Shiva are Chidambaram, Madurai, Tiruvalankadu, Tirunelveli and Kutralam. Kutralam is also known as Trikootaachalam. Near Kutralam, is Ten Kaasi with its Viswanathar Temple featuring one of the largest Gopurams in Tamilnadu. This shrine is regarded as the 13th of the Tevara Stalams in the Pandya region of Tamilnadu.
Legends
Agastyar who at Shiva's request, proceded southward to stabilize the balance of the earth, and relieve it from the instability resulting from the presence of a multitude of entities at Shiva's and Parvati's wedding in the Himalayas, to wait for a glimpse of the divine couple, is said to have created the Shivalingam here by shrinking an image of Vishnu, hence the name Kutralam.
The Temple
Kurumpalaveesar, sung in Tevaram is associated with the stala vruksham Kurumpalaa. Tirikootaraasappakavirayar's well known work Kutrala Kuravanji glorifies this shrine. The temple has a conch shaped temple (Prakaram) plan and is referred to as Sangakkovil. In the Mummurasukkovil, Shiva showed himself as Bhrama and Vishnu. The Tirikootamandapam here is the site of festivities here.Parvati's shrine is also of significance here and is regarded as one of the 64 Shakti Peethams.
The Chitra Sabhai or the hall of pictures is located in a picturesque locale (see image above) away from the main temple. Architecturally the Chitrasabha resembles that of the other Nataraja Sabhas elsewhere in Tamilnadu, and its interior is decked with hundreds of murals, depicting images from the Indian epics. Natarajar is brought here during festivals from the Kurumpalaveesar temple.
Festivals
Nine worship services are offered each day here. Arudra Darisanam is celebrated in the Chitrasabha and the Taandava Deepa Aradhanai carried out then is of significance here. In the annual festival Shiva appears as Bhrama, Vishnu, Rudra, Eswara, Sadasiva and Subramanya. Other festivals celebrated here are Vasanta Utsavam in Chittirai, Pavitrotsavam in Kartikai, Navaratri, Skanda Sashti, Chittirai Vishu and Aippasi Vishu. The ivory festival used in processions is of great beauty.
Nine Falls
The falls are located 160 kilometers from Madurai and 59 kilometers from Tirunelveli at an elevation of about 167 meters on the Western Ghat in Tirunelveli District.
Peraruvi (Main Falls)
It is very reachable and it is right inside Courtallam Town. It is near Kutralanathar Temple. It is supposed to be the biggest waterfall among the others and also is one of the falls that is visited in the off-season(Nov.-Jan.).
Chitraruvi, (Small Falls)
It is just above the Main Falls. There are steps to reach Chitraruvi falls. Here, boys and girls have a separate covered area for taking bath in the falls. A ticket is required.
Shenbagadevi Falls (The place is filled with Senbhaga Trees)
This requires trekking a while, as it is about one hour to reach the falls. It is one mile from the Main Falls. On the way the Main falls are viewable.
Thenaruvi (Honey Falls)
The area is known for the honey - This is above Shenbaga Aruvi and is supposed to be the origin. People cannot take a bath in the falls. There are many beehives here.
Aintharuvi (Five Falls)
You need to take a van or bus to reach the falls. It is quite far from the Main Falls if you walk (3 miles). The waterfall is divided into five sections. There is the Swami Ayyappa Temple and Vinayaka Temple nears the waterfalls.
Pazhathotta Aruvi (Fruit Garden Falls or Orchid Falls).
Puli Aruvi (Tiger Falls)
It is quite far from the Main falls (6 furlongs). Buses and various vehicles are available to get there. The waterfall falls from stone-carved claws of the tiger.
Pazhaya Courtallam (Old Falls)
The Old Falls are not too popular, and are about 4 miles from the Main Falls
Puthu Aruvi (New Falls) or Palaruvi (Milk Falls)
The falls look like white milk.
Contact Detail:
AVE Beach Resort,
Veerabagupathy,
Chothavilai Beach,
Thengamputhoor,
Kanyakumari District.
Ph No: 04652 221337
+91 8220099080
Email Id : aveholidayhome@gmail.com
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