Karkuvel Ayyanar Temple
Karkuvel Ayyanar Temple is a Hindu temple in a village named Therikudiyiruppu in Kayamozhi, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. This temple is only 14 kilometer from Thiruchendur( State Highway 40 ). Karkuvel Ayyanar Temple is about 500–1000 years old. The temple is surrounded by Red sand desert with a lot of cashew and palm trees. On a miracle, this is the only desert found in south India.
Deities
Ayyanar is the main deity with his wives goddess Poornam and goddess Porkamalam.
There are several Gods in the temple such as Periyandavar, Udhiramadan, Malayamman, Ivar Raja, Vanniya Raja, Vannichi, Pechiyamman, Ponirulapar, Kallar Sami, Thuppakki Madan, Sarvasakthi Amman, etc. ( South Tamil Nadu Gods )[1]
Kallar Vettu
The main festival in Karkuvel Ayyanar Temple "Kallar Vettu" ( Killing the Robber ). Belief says due to this God, there is no theft around this Village after this incident. During the month of December, several lakhs of people gather here to celebrate this festival.
Villu Pattu (bow song) about the Praise of Karkuvel Ayyanar is another attraction during the Festival.
How To Reach
The Government of Tamilnadu operates daily buses from Thiruchendur bus stand. But the frequency is on a timely basis. Other than buses, van services are operated between the temple and Thiruchendur. The travelers can hire cars and auto to reach the temple.