Korravai or KOTTRAVAI The Tamil Mother. She is also the mother of the Tamil god Murugan. It is during the reign of Pallava's in the 5th-6th century CE that she took the form of MAHISHASURAMARDINI or DURGA. Some where in the period of the South-North merging of culture, She was represented as the consort of Shiva and the mother of Skanda. The RAM was her Vahana. KOTTRAVAI - The Tamil goddess of War. Mother of Muruga. Standing on Mahisha. Mahishasuramardini. Ashthabhuja with Shankha, Chakra,dagger, sword , shield,Bow, Bolas ( string stones) and a bowl from which she is feeding a parrot. Two mendicants praying near her legs on opposite sides. Jatamukuta with large round Kundala's,Haaram, armbands, broad bracelets on all hands and feet, girdle belt with dropping chain,Kinkini. And don't miss the Goat or Antelope. Also note No lion . Well preserved definitely pre Chola era. Hanumantheeshwarar Temple - Athikolam - Cheyyar - Tiruvannamalai District - Tamilnadu. Click link for
TEMPLES OF THE WORLD