Kannathal Temple

Kannathal Temple, located in Nattarasankottai village of Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Goddess Kannudaya Nayaki Amman, popularly known as Kannathal, believed to have the power to restore eyesight and heal various ailments.

The temple’s origin is linked to a legend where buttermilk vendors lost their goods mysteriously until a king dreamed of the goddess resting beneath the earth near a jack tree, leading to the discovery of her idol with a miraculous healing of a man’s eye injury during excavation. Built in the 18th century by the Nagarathar community, the temple features impressive architecture, including spacious halls, a tall rajagopuram (tower), beautifully carved pillars, and a temple tank.

It is famous for its grand festivals like the Kaliyattam, celebrated every 12 years with elaborate rituals, including a unique sheep sacrifice tradition. The temple remains culturally vital with priestly duties traditionally performed by the Uvachar community and continues to attract devotees seeking blessings, particularly for eye health.