Explore Urumbachan Kottam: A Temple Honouring Ants

Urumbachan Kottam is a strange but fascinating place located in Kerala. Located in the village of Kuttikkakam in the Kannur district, on the road from Thottada to Kizhunnapara, is an unusual temple dedicated to the modest ant rather than a grandiose deity. This story transcends the traditional boundaries of religion and is one of faith, tradition, and reverence.

Myths Regarding Ant Worship

The ants, who are generally seen as nothing more than annoyances, are revered as sacred creatures in the peaceful village of Kuttikkakam. There is no conventional shrine, idol, or deity at Urumbachan Kottam. Rather, it has a straightforward raised floor with a lamp that is meant to represent ants’ unseen presence.

Ant Reverence's Inception

Urumbachan Kottam’s legend goes back almost forty years. The locals made the decision to construct a Ganesha temple in hopes of wealth and the eradication of hardships. After consulting with academics and astrologers, preparations got underway. But the day after, at the location where the temple’s foundation was supposed to be laid, an ant colony was spotted. Perceiving this as a sign from God, the villagers changed their plan. They chose to build a temple honouring ants rather than a Ganesha temple.
As a result, Urumbachan Kottam—which is located close to the Udayamangalam Ganapati Temple—was established. Before doing any other rituals, it became customary to offer the first puja to the ants in Udayamangalam temple. In addition, Urumbachan Kottam is thought to be home to the spirit of Subramanian, and a lamp is lit there every day as a sign of respect.

Urumbachan Gurusthanam

Urumbachan Gurusthanam
Credits: Anoop

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.

The Religious Rituals

Worshippers from all around Kerala come to Urumbachan Kottam in order to get rid of ant infestations in their houses. Offering a coconut to the fort’s fictional deity is part of the rite. In an attempt to placate the ants, the temple priest cracks the coconuts, letting the water run across the temple floor. This rite attracts a lot of followers, especially during special pujas and the Mandala season.

A Thought on Nature and Faith

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.

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