- Special FeaturesFoundation Year500-1000 years oldSthala TreeNaruvali TreeTheerthamRathamArchitectureOther SpecialityThough Saptha Madha temples are generally facing north, this is facing east.
- Sthala Puran
Chettiappar was a tantric from Kerala who never used his powers against any one. Trading, especially in turmeric was his main profession. He once came to Manakkal. He saw the Saptha Madhas bathing in a tank before him. They were Brahmmi, Maheswari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Rudrani, Gaumari and Chamundi. He offered them his turmeric stock which they did not need. Chettiappar was not sad that he could not sell his stock but was sad that it was not needed by such divine angels. He wanted to sell his turmeric even by threatening them. He began to take the ornaments they have left on the steps of the tank. Goumari noticed it and called him.
She offered to buy his turmeric. The trader asked for how much value, one coin or two coins. Goumari picked up a flower from Her hair and asked him to give an equal weight. His turmeric could not stand before the weight of the flower. He placed all his stock – many bags – the flower side did not raise at all. He realized that the seven virgins were not simply ordinary humans but divines. He fell at their feet and sought their pardon. He built a temple there for the Saptha Madhas.
- Architecture
The prakara of the temple is home to shrines of Madurai Veeran, Chettiappar, Dwara Palakis, Karuppannan and Ayyanar. Elephant and Horse Vahans are also in the prakara.
Madurai Veeran shrine is on the left of the main shrine. Chettiappar statue is in the right side of Maha Mandap. On the entrance of the Maha Mandap are Dwarapalakis (security deities) on both sides. Saptha Madhas grace from the sanctum sanctorum. Women pray to them for longevity of Mangal Sutra boon protecting them widowhood.
Horses and elephants are carved on the pillars. Ayyanar is on the elephant while Karuppanasami is on the horse. Devotees use to offer garlands to this horse vaahan also to recover loans advanced by them to others. The faith is too deep. Devotees use to circumambulate the tall and broad Naruvali tree in the prakara for child boon. The deities of the temple are the Kula Devatha of thousands of families in the area. The temple is about 800 years old.
Laksharchana is performed on all 10 days of Navrathri. The Thayir Pavadai – a skirt of curd – is very famous. The floor of Artha Mandapa would be covered with curd rice. After offering the same as Nivedhana to Goumar, it is distributed as Prasad to devotees.
- Alankar of Deity
- Prayers and BenefitsSpecial Vratas and Prayers
Women pray to Saptha Madhas for the longevity of their Mangal Sutras. Devotees pray to Karuppanasami for recovery of loans advanced and for happy wedding.
Offerings to DeityDevotees perform abishek to Mother Goumari and offer vastras.
Stotras and Mantras
- FestivalsKaragam festival following the Masi new moon day (Amavasya) is very famous in this temple. This is an art of dancing fast and round by men and women holding a pot on their head with such balance without holding them by hand. Thousands participate in the festival. Laksharchana (chanting the names of Shakti 0ne lakh times) is dedicated to Mother during the 10 days of Navarathri. The Thayir Pavadai festival on the 10th day is very famous.
- Sodasha Upcharas
- Prasadhas
- Social ActivitiesAnnadhanMarriageEar BoringHead ShaveDanaasEducation FacilitiesSocial DrivesOther Activities
- Arjita Seva
- Tags