Koovagam Festival:

 

The village of Koovagam is next to Ulundurpet taluk in Villupuram district at Koothandavar temple.

 

A fifteen day Chitrai festival based on Mahabaratha is celebrated every year in grand style. According to the Mahabaratha, Rajakumaran, a eunuch was born to Arjuna and Naga Kannigai. The Pandavas, decided to sacrifice a human to ensure victory in the war and Rajakumaran was the sacrificial 'goat'. His last wish was to get married.

 

 

God's Children

 

A village called Pillayar-kuppam near Ulundurpet some 20 kms away from Vilupuram attracts the media in full strength every year. It is here the temple of Aravaani’s; (eunachs) also known as  God's children  is situated. The temple also known as Koothandavar Kovil wears a festive look ten days before the Full Moon day of the month of Chithirai (Mid-April). On the day of 'Pournami' (full-moon day) almost all the aravaanis gather in this place also known as 'Koov'aham' and tie their nuptial knot and the occasion  is marked by song, dance and gaiety. The next day the 'Thaali' Or 'Mangala suthra' worn the previous days severed and the bangles worn are also broken to mark the Widow-hood and they return home. The story behind this is no one came forward to marry Koothandavar to be hanged the next day, hence  God Aravaan assumed the role of a woman and fulfilled his desire. As a result of immense interest evinced by the media this temple and its annual  festival has attained lot of popularity. The Aravaanis the butt of society jokes and Contemp is a disgruntled lot mentally and physically too. And this festival lasting ten days help to rejuvenate their down-cast sprit.