Periyapalayam Sri Bhavani Amman Temple, Thiruvallur

Address

Periyapalayam Sri Bhavani Amman Temple, Periyapalayam – 601 102 Thiruvallur District Mobile: +91 94444 87487

Deity

Amman: Sri Bhavani Amman

Introduction

Location:

The Bhavani Amman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhavani and is located in Periyapalayam, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu. This temple is known for its bustling atmosphere, attracting devotees throughout the year, especially during weekends and the Tamil months of Aadi and Avani.

History:

Believed to be over 1000 years old, the temple is well-maintained and organized, ensuring that devotees have a memorable experience during their visit to seek the blessings of Bhavani Amman.

Puranic Significance

Mythological Background:

According to Hindu mythology, King Kamsa imprisoned his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudeva after hearing an oracle that foretold his death at the hands of Devaki’s eighth child. Kamsa killed six of their children but was unaware that their seventh child, Balarama, was transferred to another womb. When Lord Krishna was born as the eighth child, Vasudeva took him to Nandagopan’s wife, Yasodha, and brought back her daughter, Mayadevi, to mislead Kamsa.
When Kamsa attempted to kill Mayadevi, she transformed into Goddess Bhavani, who is said to have warned Kamsa about the impending doom. This connection emphasizes Bhavani’s role as a protective and benevolent force, manifesting to relieve human distress and spread happiness.

Local Folklore:

Legend has it that the area where the temple stands was once a forest where a cow would regularly give her milk to a rock. A curious cowherd discovered this phenomenon and, upon cracking the rock, was confronted by a woman in yellow and red who promised to spare his life if he built a shrine for her. This led to the establishment of the Bhavani Amman Temple.

Beliefs

Devotee Practices: It is believed that Goddess Bhavani erases the sins of devotees who wear Margo leaves around their waists and circumambulate the temple. Abhisheka water sprinkled on couples is said to bring them blessings, and devotees participate in various rituals such as head shaving, carrying pots with fire, and performing Angapradakshina.
Devotees often come in large groups, bringing equipment for cooking and staying for their rituals.

Special Features

Presiding Deity: Goddess Bhavani Amman is depicted holding the Sangu (conch) and Chakram (discus) in her upper hands, with a sword and Amirtha Kalasam (nectar pot) in her lower hands. Her prasadam, including Kumkumam and Theertham, is believed to cure various ailments.
Additional Shrines: The temple complex features shrines dedicated to:
- Arputha Sakthi Vinayagar
- Sarva Sakthi Mathangi Amman
- Subramaniyar
- Srinivasa Perumal with Mahalakshmi
- Anjaneyar
- Parasurama (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu)
- Naga Sannidhi

Festivals

The temple witnesses a surge of visitors during the Tamil months of Aadi and Avani, particularly on weekends. Some of the key festivals celebrated include:

First Friday of Aadi: Celebrated grandly.
Oonjal Sevai: Held during the fourth week of Aadi for the Urchava Moorthy.
Sahasra Nama Archanai: Conducted every Friday morning during Aadi.
Other festivals include Chithira Pournami, Vinayagar Chathurthi, Vijayadasami, New Year’s Day (English and Tamil), Hanuman Jayanti, Pongal, Thai Poosam, and Pournami Urchavam.