Narthamalai Muthu Mariamman Temple, Pudukkottai

Address

Narthamalai Muthu Mariamman Temple, Pudukkottai

Narthamalai,

Pudukkottai district

Tamilnadu – 622 101.

Phone: +91 4322 221084 Mobile: 97869 65659

Amman

Muthu Mariamman

Introduction

Location:

• Situated in Narttamalai, a hill in Tamil Nadu.
• The hill was originally known as Naradar Malai, as Sage Narada is believed to have performed penance here, later changing to Narthamalai.
• This is a famous shrine for those seeking child boons and a cure from smallpox.

Deity:

• The presiding deity is Mother Muthu Mari Amman.
• Devotees perform various rituals like lighting Maa Vilakku (made from rice flour and ghee), offering saris, and tying sugarcane cradles to seek blessings for children and cure from diseases.

Puranic Significance:

• The Amman idol was discovered in Keezhkurichi (4 miles from Narthamalai) by a priest who unearthed it while walking in a farm. After finding the idol, a divine voice instructed him to build a temple to protect the villagers from diseases.
• Muthu Mari became famous due to her miraculous healing powers, especially when she cured a young girl, Malaiammal, from smallpox. Malaiammal later helped expand the temple and became a spiritual guide for devotees.
• Malaiammal’s Arul Vaakku (prophetic words) became renowned, attracting devotees from various regions.

Beliefs:

• Devotees seeking child blessings tie sugarcane cradles in the temple.
• Agni Kaavadi (offering carried on shoulders) is also performed to seek relief from illness, especially smallpox.
• Rituals include Abishek, Puja to Muthu Mari Amman, lighting of Deepas, and Annadhana (feeding the needy).

Special Features:

• The temple has a Yantra dedicated to Lord Muruga, sculpted in stone and considered highly powerful.
• Devarishi Narada is believed to have performed penance here, contributing to the temple’s significance.
• The hill is rich in herbal plants and is believed to hold medicinal properties.
• The Muthu Mariamman idol has four hands, holding Kadgam, Kabaalam, Damarugam, and Shakti Hastam, the latter also associated with Lord Muruga.
• The five-storied Raja Gopuram of the temple faces the East, with a beautifully serene Amman idol in the Garbagriha (sanctum sanctorum).

Surrounding Hills:

• Narthamalai is encircled by other hills such as Melamalai, Kottai Malai, and Parayar Malai, forming the shape of the Onkara.
• These hills are believed to be pieces of Sanjeevi Mountain, carried by Sri Hanuman during the Rama-Ravana war, and are known for their medicinal plants.

Festivals:

• The 10-day Panguni Festival (March-April) is the most significant, drawing large crowds.
• Aadi month (last Friday in July-August) features a major one-day festival.
• Vijayadasami, Tamil and English New Year, Deepavali, and Pongal are also celebrated.
• Devotee attendance peaks on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Narthamalai

Nearest Railway Station

Pudukkottai

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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