Mandhai Karai Kali Temple,Nagapattinam

Address

Mandhai Karai Kali Temple,Nagapattinam

Kali, Mayiladuthurai Circle,

Nagapattinam District,

Tamil Nadu 609811

Moolavar

Thirugameshwar

Amman

Abirami, Balasukampal

Introduction

Location:

• The Mandhai Karai Kali Temple is situated in Kali Village, located in the Mayiladuthurai Taluk of Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu.
• It is positioned on the banks of the Vikraman River, and the village is known for its seven goddess temples.
• The temple is about 9 km to the west of Nidur, on the route from Mayiladuthurai to Manalmedu.

Puranic Significance:

• Originally called Srinivasapuram, the village was named after Lord Srinivasa Perumal. The main deity of the temple, Kaliyamman, is said to have been discovered in the Vikraman River.
• The village suffered heavy floods due to torrential rain, which led to widespread devastation, including epidemics, famine, and death of both villagers and livestock. In their despair, the villagers turned to the goddess Abhirami of the Thirukameswarar Temple, lighting lamps and performing abhishekam in the hope of finding relief.
• During the ritual, an old lady became possessed by the goddess and revealed that the goddess Kali was buried in the form of an idol beneath the Keeraimedu canal. She instructed the villagers to excavate the idol and build a temple for it to relieve them from the ongoing calamities.
• The villagers followed the guidance, excavated the idol of Mandhai Karai Kali, and installed it in the temple. Their devotion brought them relief from the floods and suffering.
• The name Mandhai Karai Kali is derived from the goddess’s role in guiding the lost villagers through the calamity, where Mandhai means a herd and Karai refers to the destination. The village was later renamed Kali by the villagers, in gratitude to the goddess.
• The shrine of Kaliyamman is located at the entrance of the village.

Beliefs:

• Devotees visit the Mandhai Karai Kali Temple to seek relief from Rahu, Ketu, and Chevvai doshas, which are believed to cause obstacles in life.

Special Features:

• The temple is believed to be between 500 to 1000 years old.
• The temple faces north, with the lion mount and Balipeedam positioned facing the sanctum.
• The sanctum sanctorum consists of the sanctum and ardha mandapam.
• At the entrance of the ardha mandapam, there are sub-shrines dedicated to Vinayaga and Murugan.
• The temple enshrines the idol of Mandhai Karai Kali, a form of Goddess Durga.

Festivals:

• Aadi Thiruvizha and Amavasya (in July-August)
• Thai Pongal (in January-February)

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/01/mandakarai-kali-temple-kali-village.html

Century/Period

500- 1000 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Kali

Nearest Railway Station

Mayiladuthurai

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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