Koothandavar Temple

Koothandavar Temple is a Hindu temple located in Pillayarkuppam village in Bahour Commune, Puducherry, dedicated to Koothandavar (Aravan), a deity associated with the Mahabharata. The temple is known for its annual 18-day festival in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May) that draws devotees including members of the transgender community. The modest shrine features traditional South Indian architecture and serves as an important local religious and cultural centre in the Puducherry region.

Visitors can expect a small traditional South Indian temple with a sanctum dedicated to Koothandavar (Aravan), an outer courtyard and simple gopuram-style entrance in a rural village setting surrounded by agricultural fields. The interior houses the main deity idol and subsidiary shrines. The atmosphere is quiet on regular days for darshan and prayer, and becomes crowded and festive during the annual Chithirai festival with rituals, processions and cultural gatherings.

The temple is dedicated to Aravan (Koothandavar), a figure from the Mahabharata described as the son of Arjuna and Nagakanni. According to tradition, Aravan sacrificed himself for the victory of the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war and is worshipped as Koothandavar. The Pillayarkuppam shrine continues this tradition locally and is one of several Koothandavar temples in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry region.

The temple is culturally significant as a centre of worship for Koothandavar and hosts an annual 18-day festival in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May). The festival includes rituals reenacting the marriage and sacrifice of Aravan and is particularly significant for the transgender community (Aravanis/Thirunangais), who gather to participate in the ceremonies, along with local villagers and devotees.