- Special Features
Foundation Year500 Years OldSthala TreeTheerthamRathamArchitectureDravidian architectureOther SpecialityMother Amman appears furiously for six months and very compassionately for six months.
- Sthala Puran
Kottravai is a deity, according to Tamil literatures, belonging to the Kali family. Pallava king Mahendra Varman was worshipping Kottravai as his family deity. She was praised as Kali and Kadu Kizhal. Making an idol representing Kottravai as described in our literatures, She was worshipped as the security or protection deity in the border of Mamallapuram. People had immense faith in Her powers. She is in a sitting form with Her leg folded and the right resting on the left. She represents the power of seven deities called Andhari, Vanathi, Paripani, Kamakshi, Meenakshi, Visalakshi and Karukathavi.
While the people of Earth and heaven were subjected to cruelties of the dreaded demon Mahishasura, they surrendered at the feet Mother Kali for freedom from the demon. Mother started her journey with all fury on Her Lion Vahan from Mysore towards Mamallapuram, riding on Pidar Rath and killed the buffalo headed Mahishasura. It was a wonder that every drop of blood of the demon falling on earth reappeared alive as the demon. Kali gathered the blood in a bowl and offered it to the Bhoodas to drink. Mahishasura was killed finally. She softened Herself then and granted darshan to the devotees as Karu Katha Amman. A famous temple came into being then, according to local history.
Karu Katha Amman appears in a sitting form holding many weapons in Her hand and pressing the demon under Her feet. Mother Karukatha Amman looks furious for six months and compassionate in the next six months. This is a significant feature of this temple
- Architecture
- Alankar of Deity
- Prayers and BenefitsSpecial Vratas and Prayers
Devotees submit their prayers to Mother Amman for relief from black magic and witchcrafts, mental illness, poverty, family prosperity, from prolonged illness and for the security of their Mangal Sutras.
Offerings to DeityMarried women tie a yellow thread with a turmeric piece in the holy Etti tree and make three knots for safety of their Mangal Sutras.
Stotras and Mantras
- FestivalsCome Aadi month – July-August. Women devotees gather in huge number to offer their prayer commitment to Mother Karukatha Amman with undertaking of fasting on Fridays of the month offering Pongal, Some women wear clothing made of Neem leaves – Veppilai in Tamil. Mother Amman is bathed with Sandal, Kumkum and turmeric abisheks. The next great festival is Navarathri occurring in September-October. During this 10 day festival, mother is dressed such representing Her glory as Maha Saraswathi holding a Veena, eight forms of Mother Mahalakshmi, Her furious forms as Badrakali, Mahishasura Mardhini, as Mother Parvathi with Lord Shiva and characters of the scriptures. Special abisheks and pujas are dedicated to Her during these days. Mother Karukathamman comes in procession on the Lion Vahan in the streets of Mamallapuram in a colourful way backed by fireworks play. The 10th day of the festival marks the destruction of the buffalo headed demon Mahishasura.
- Sodasha Upcharas
- Prasadhas
- Social ActivitiesAnnadhanMarriageEar BoringHead ShaveDanaasEducation FacilitiesSocial DrivesOther Activities
- Arjita Seva
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