- Special Features
Foundation Year500-1000 years oldSthala TreeTheerthamRathamArchitectureOther SpecialityThe name Thanjavur came into being after the story of the Kali killing a demon here by the name Thanjan. All of us know that Lord Shiva bears Ganga on His head, but here Goddess Kali bears Lord Shiva on Her head, hence, instead of the Lion
- Sthala Puran
The place where the temple presently exists was a fertile place inhabited by Devas, beings in the celestial world. They were praying to Lord Shiva from here. Demon Thanjan also worshipped Lord Shiva and attained more powers than the Devas. He began to harass them with his excessive powers. The Devas appealed to Lord Shiva to protect them from the demon.
As the Devas sought Thanjam (asylum) in Lord Shiva, He came to be praised as Thanjapureeswarar. The Lord sent His Consort Anandavalli to destroy the demon who came down on the demon in the name of Pachaikali. The demon was reborn every time he was killed. He came reborn one crore times. Furious Kali took the form of Pavalakali, red in colour – and destroyed him finally. The blood from the demon’s body flowed as a river which reflected on the body of the Kali, making the Goddess Pavalakali. As the Goddess killed a demon reborn Kodi times (one crore times), She came to be called Kodi Amman.
- Architecture
Goddess Kali came to this place to kill the demon as the representative of Lord Shiva, hence bears Him on Her head.
The name of the place was Alagapuri when Thanjan was killed by Kali. The place was renamed as Thanjapuri after his name as requested by him. Later, due to changes in pronunciations, it became Thanjavur.
- Alankar of Deity
- Prayers and BenefitsSpecial Vratas and Prayers
Relief from the witchcraft effects caused by enemies, child boon are the prayers placed at the feet of Goddess Kali.
Offerings to DeityDevotees offer abishek and vastras to the Goddess as their prayer commitment.
Stotras and Mantras
- FestivalsA Kaliattam festival is observed in the temple either in the last week of Masi (February-March) or in the first week of Panguni (March-April) by painting the idols of Pachaikali and Pavalakali taking them to each house. This is called Kaliatta Vizha. A puja will also be performed by a representative of the king. People carry milk pots during this festival. There are shrines for Pachaikali, Pavalakali and Shoolakali in the West Street of Thanjavur.
- Sodasha Upcharas
- Prasadhas
- Social ActivitiesAnnadhanMarriageEar BoringHead ShaveDanaasEducation FacilitiesSocial DrivesOther Activities
- Arjita Seva
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