Sivalaya Ottam

File:Sivalaya Ottam.svg

Sivalaya Ottam - Route map and Distance chart

Sivalaya Ottam (Tamil Language:சிவாலய ஓட்டம்) is a ritual marathon undertook by the devotees to the 12 Siva shrines in the district of Kanyakumari on the day of Sivarathri. From this year onwards the day was announced as a local holiday for the district.

Ottam route

The Ottam begins at Munchirai, the first Sivalayam and goes all through the next 10 temples before ending at Thirunattalam.

Sivalaya Ottam - Route Table

Sl.No	From	Via	To	km
1.	Munchirai	Kunnathoor, Kappucaud, Vettuvanni, Marthandam, Gnaramvilai	Thikkurichi	11.80
2.	Thikkurichi	Chitharal, Ambalakkadai, Arumanai, Kaliyal	Thirpparappu	12.40
3.	Thirpparappu	Kulasekaram	Thirunandhikkarai	8.14
4.	Thirunandhikkarai	Kulasekaram	Ponmanai	7.74
5.	Ponmanai	Chithirancode, Kumarapuram, Muttacaud	Pannippagam	10.40
6.	Pannippagam	Saral vilai, Marunthukkottai, Padmanabhapuram	Kalkulam	5.73
7.	Kalkulam	Padmanabhapuram	Melancode	3.37
8.	Melancode	Kumaracoil Bus stop, Villukuri	Thiruvidaicode	4.66
9.	Thiruvidaicode	Villukuri, Thuckalay, Keralapuram	Thiruvithancode	8.60
10.	Thiruvithancode	Nadukkadai, Kodiyoor, Perambi, Palliyadi	Thirupanthicode	9.21
11.	Thirupanthicode	-	Thirunattalam	4.08

Rituals

Special pujas will be conducted at temple at Thirumalai. The ritual begin after the devotees taking a holy-dip in the Thamirabharani river at Munchirai, the first Sivalayam. The participants wear saffron robes, hold a palm-leaf fan on their hand and chant the mantra "Govinda... Gopaala..." all through the whole day of running. The pilgrims receive the holy ashes, "Thiruneer" from all the eleven temples. The purpose for the pilgrimage is believed to be fulfilled only by receiving the Sandal-paste from the final Sankaranarayanar Temple at Thirunattalam. The objective of the pilgrimage is to uphold that Siva and Vishnu are both the manifestations of one supreme being.

Before, the devotees observes a one week fast. Tender coconut and Tender palmyra in the day time and tulsi-water at night are the only food items taken by the devotees during the fasting days.

References

• Devotees go on sivalaya ottam to 12 temples