Urumbachan Kottam is referred to by the locals as Urumbachan Gurusthanam, or the Temple of Ants. In Kuttikkakam, people respect ants so much that they don’t hurt or kill them. They light a lamp at the Gurusthanam every day and offer coconuts on certain occasions as a sign of their belief in the divine presence of the “Father Ant,” also known as Urumbachan.
According to legend, Urumbachan Gurusthanam was originally supposed to be a Ganesha temple. A carpenter used a stick to indicate the location. The stick was discovered the following morning half a kilometre from its initial placement, where an anthill had grown. Believing that this was a sign from God, the locals started to revere the ants at the anthill. The stick was later moved, and a Ganesha temple was built in its place.
Many devotees at Urumbachan Kottam find fulfilment and serenity in the practice of worshipping ants, regardless of whether it is considered superstition or faith. The modest ant is a symbol of respect for all creatures and coexistence in a time of human conflict. The timeless lessons of humility, compassion, and respect for life are imparted to us through the little but meaningful act of offering at the ant temple.
Let’s embrace the love of all living things, no matter how tiny, and the wisdom of the ancients as we set out on this adventure. Urumbachan Kottam is a living example of the unwavering commitment and complex web of beliefs that weave together to form our universe.