Nagapattinam Nellukadai Mariamman Temple

Address

Melakottaivasal,

Nagapattinam district,

Tamil Nadu 611001

Amman

Nellukadai Mariamman

Introduction

The Nellukadai Mariamman Temple is a renowned shrine located in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu. This temple, steeped in legend and tradition, is believed to possess mystical powers and attracts countless devotees. Situated just ½ km from the railway station, it is a convenient yet spiritual destination for pilgrims. Constructed by a rice trader in accordance with divine instructions received in a dream, the temple continues to be a beacon of faith and devotion.

Puranic Significance
The origin of Nellukadai Mariamman Temple is associated with fascinating legends.

The Legend of Periya Nagathammal
As per one version, Periya Nagathammal, a paddy trader known for her honesty, encountered a young lady in a yellow saree in her shop. When she went to fetch paddy, the lady vanished, but later appeared in Nagathammal’s dream, revealing herself as Goddess Mariamman. The Goddess directed her to construct a temple at an ant hill under a neem tree where her presence resided. With the help of the local community, the temple was built, and the Goddess was enshrined. The association with Nagathammal’s trade earned the temple its name, Nellukadai (Paddy Shop) Mariamman Temple.

The Male Trader’s Legend
Another version recounts a male paddy trader who sheltered a young woman in his shop during heavy rain. The next morning, he discovered the woman had transformed into an idol of Mariamman. The divine incident led to the establishment of the temple, now revered as the Nellukadai Mariamman Temple.

In the sanctum, the main deity, Mariamman, sits in Veerasanam, holding a small drum, rope, knife, and skull in her four hands. A smaller idol of the Goddess is also present before the main shrine, and her darshan is believed to alleviate worries and difficulties.

Special Features

Vimanam and Depiction:
The shrine features a vimanam above the sanctum, depicting the Goddess in her sitting pose under a five-headed serpent.
Unique Sedal Ritual:
The temple is renowned for the Sedal ritual during the annual Chithirai festival. A 30-foot-long wooden pole (Sedal) mounted on a tall pedestal is rotated by workers while a priest standing on one end blesses devotees. This ritual, particularly involving small children, is a unique prayer to Mariamman for health and well-being.
Architectural Elements:
The temple boasts a three-tiered gopuram, Vasantha Mandapam, festival halls, and various shrines dedicated to deities such as Siddhi Vinayakar, Subramanyar, Dakshinamurthy, Ayyappan, Vishnu Durga, and the Navagrahas.