Padavedu Sri Renugambal Temple- Thiruvannamalai

Address

Padavedu Sri Renugambal Temple Padavedu – 606 905 Thiruvannamalai District, Phone: +91- 4181 – 248 224, 248 424.

Diety

Amman: Sri Renugambal

Introduction

The Padavedu Temple, located in Thondainadu, is a significant Sakthi Sthala devoted to Goddess Renugambal, who symbolizes the divine feminine power. This temple holds historical and spiritual importance, with a rich set of legends and rituals.

The Significance:

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Renugambal, representing the divine feminine energy or Shakti.
The self-manifested idol of Goddess Renugambal in Padavedu emphasizes the importance of Shakti in the universe.
The temple also houses deities of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva, along with Goddess Renugambal.

The Legend of Uma Devi as Renugai:

Uma Devi, the mother of all worlds, was born to Eraivadha Maharaja, the king of Vidharba Desam. She was named Renugai.
Renugai traveled the world with her army in search of a suitable husband and reached Kundalipuram (now called A.K. Padavedu).
She encountered Saint Jamathakni, and through divine intervention, it was revealed that he would be her husband. They eventually got married and gave birth to Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

The Story of Parasurama and Renukadevi:

The temple is associated with the life of Sage Jamadagni and his wife Renuka, the parents of Parasurama.
Renuka’s head was severed by her son Parasurama, but with the blessings of Sage Jamadagni and the intervention of the divine, her life was restored.
This episode is a central part of the temple’s history and is depicted in its legends and rituals.

Kamandala Nadhi (River):

During a conflict between the disciples of Saint Jamathakni and the soldiers of Renugai, a river named Kamandala Nadhi emerged when Saint Jamathakni brought waters from the sacred sources to extinguish the fire caused by Chamundeeswari.

Unique Offerings and Prayers:

The sacred ash (vibhuti) offered to devotees is collected once a year from the place where Saint Jamathakni performed penance on the banks of Kamandala River. It is believed to have healing properties.
The temple’s sacred sand is offered in place of kumkum, and it is used for various purposes, including curing ailments and removing the effects of black magic.
Devotees visit the temple to pray for child boon, marriage, and relief from ailments, especially smallpox and eye-related problems.

Festivals and Celebrations:

The temple hosts several festivals and celebrations, including Aadi Fridays, Purattasi Navarathri, and special pujas on various auspicious days.
The colorful paintings in the temple narrate the story of Goddess Renugambal.

The Padavedu Temple is not only a place of worship but also a site of historical and spiritual significance. The temple’s unique traditions, rituals, and the divine presence of Goddess Renugambal attract devotees seeking blessings, healing, and fulfillment of their wishes.