Mandaikaadu Baghavathy Amman Temple
Nagarcoil
Presiding Deity:
Bhagavathy Amman
The only temple in India where Villupaatu (Villu - bow, paatu - song) is the offering for worship is the Mandaikaadu Baghavathy Amman Temple, located 20km from Nagarcoil in South India.
Villu Paatu or Villadichampaatu, is an ancient form of musical story-telling where narration is interspersed with music, an art form very unique to Tamil Nadu and Kerala, as well as North-East Sri Lanka.The villu or bow, an age-old weapon of warriors is used as a primary musical instrument.
Another interesting aspect is that women from Kerala fast intensively for 41 days wearing a mala and visit the temple, similar to how people observe the fast and visit Sabarimala.
The only temple in India where Villupaatu (Villu - bow, paatu - song) is the offering for worship is the Mandaikaadu Baghavathy Amman Temple, located 20km from Nagarcoil in South India.Villu Paatu or Villadichampaatu, is an ancient form of musical story-telling where narration is interspersed with music, an art form very unique to Tamil Nadu and Kerala, as well as North-East Sri Lanka.The villu or bow, an age-old weapon of warriors is used as a primary musical instrument.Another interesting aspect is that women from Kerala fast intensively for 41 days wearing a mala and visit the temple, similar to how people observe the fast and visit Sabarimala.