Sokkayiamman Temple is situated at Anandhathandavapuram near
Mayiladuthurai in
Nagapattinam District. The place got its name from the sage Ananda. Myth is that
Lord Shiva performed Ananda Thandavam (the dance of celestial bliss) for his devotee Ananda at this place. The temple is dedicated to Goddess
Shakti. The presiding deities are Sri Raja Shastha and Sundarambal.
Set in scenic surroundings with green fields and neem trees, the temple attracts many people. The entrance to the temple is decorated with the image of a horse and a dog. At the foot of the deity, Sokkayiamman, there is a Srichakkaram (discus shaped weapon). The temple also houses separate shrines for Nallannan, Bethanan, Thoppaiyan, Muniswarar, Parivara devadas,
Nagaraja and Maha Ganapathy. The temple is also known by the name Arcot Ayyanar temple.
The main festival is the lighting of Maha Jyothi in the Tamil month of Thai (mid January - mid February). Other festivals include
Navratri and Maha Abhishegam is performed on the day of Panguni Uthiram. The temple can be accessed by buses from Mayiladuthurai which is 5 km away.
