- Special Features
Foundation Year500-1000 years oldSthala TreeNeem – Vembu in TamilTheerthamBay of BengalRathamArchitectureDravidian ArchitectureOther SpecialityLord Shiva is swayambumurthi in the temple.
- Sthala Puran
Generally, only Swayambu idols are chosen for worship in temples. Mother appeared in the dream of a worker and asked him to make an idol of Her and send it through an archaka-priest coming from Kulasai. She also informed priest in his dream of her instructions to the sculptor and advised the archaka to install it near the swayambu. Thus goes the story that Ambica Herself chose her idol form.
- Architecture
Though this is a Shiva Temple, all importance is for Mother Mutharamman as to Mother Meenakshi in Madurai.
- Alankar of Deity
- Prayers and BenefitsSpecial Vratas and Prayers
Those affected with small-pox, handicapped, mentally retarded pray in the temple for relief and it is the experience of the devotees that Mother Mutharamman responds to their prayers without delay. People who lost their properties earlier, meeting loss in business say they had recovered their assets after praying to Mother. They firmly believe that Mutharamman is the guardian of their welfare.
Offerings to DeityDevotees light Mavilakku, a lamp made of rice flour mixed with ghee, undertake body circumambulation-Anga Pradikshina, carry fire pots, Vel Ambu Kuthal-punching the cheeks with needles are the prayer commitments practiced by the devotees. Some organize feeding-Anna dhanam and Hundi contribution.
Stotras and Mantras
- Festivals10-day Dussera Navarathri festival in September-October with Mahishasura Samhara on the Vijayadasami day at the seashore. This is the great festival of the time taking the event to all southern parts of the district. Every village and home in the region celebrate this festival. 3-day Aadi Kodai festival is celebrated in July-August dressing Lord and Mother as Kurava-Kurathi, a nomadic tribe when people do begging to fulfil their prayer commitment. Special pujas and decorative Deepa Aaradhanas are performed on Chithirai, falling almost on April 14, special pujas and Annabishekam in Aipasi-October-November. Tirukarthikai in November-December is celebrated with car festival lighting Deepas and Chokkapanai Deepa. Margazhi Danur pujas in December-January and Maha Shivratri in February-March are also very grandly celebrated in the temple.
- Sodasha Upcharas
- Prasadhas
- Social ActivitiesAnnadhanMarriageEar BoringHead ShaveDanaasEducation FacilitiesSocial DrivesOther Activities
- Arjita Seva
- Tags