Erukkur Upuchi Amman Temple, Mayiladuthurai

Address

Erukkur Upuchi Amman Temple, Mayiladuthurai

Erukkur village,

Mayiladuthurai District,

Tamil Nadu– 609108.

Amman

Upuchi Amman

Introduction

• Location: Erukkur village, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu.
• Primary Deity: Goddess Upuchi Amman, also known as Erukkur Kali.
• Geography: Situated on the banks of the Pudumanni River, about 6 km from the Sirkazhi-Chidambaram road, near Erukkur bus stop.
• Age: Believed to be 300 years old.

Puranic Significance:

• Legend of the Temple’s Origin:
  • Erukkur was a forested area with a few families residing nearby.
  • A woman fetching water from the Pudumanni River encountered a bangle seller who behaved inappropriately.
  • In her distress, she cried out for Kali’s protection.
  • Goddess Kali appeared, killed the bangle seller with her spear, and saved the woman.
  • Hearing the divine voice, the villagers realized the presence of Thillai Kali and decided to build a temple on the spot of the incident.
• The temple was named Upuchi Amman Temple, honoring Goddess Kali’s protective role.

Beliefs:

• Blessings for Marriage: Praying to the Goddess during the Uchikala Puja (held after noon on Fridays, full moon, and new moon days) removes obstacles to marriage.
• Mental Health Healing:
  • Devotees with mental health issues are brought to the Maha Mandapam of the temple.
  • Relatives anoint the Goddess and pray, believing this will improve the affected person’s mental condition.

Special Features:

• Temple Orientation:
  • Faces north, overlooking the Pudumanni River.
  • The sanctum sanctorum houses Upuchi Amman, portrayed aggressively, slaying a demon with six weapons (tirukas).
• Associated Deities:
  • Ganesha and Murugan are present in the Artha Mandapam.
  • The Maha Mandapam houses the main altar.
• Name Origin: The name Erukkur comes from the dense growth of castor trees in the region.
• Interesting Fact: Despite castor trees flourishing around the temple, none grow within the temple complex itself.

Festivals:

• Tamil New Year:
  • Goddess Ambal is specially anointed and worshipped with grandeur.
• Friday Full Moon and New Moon Days: Special Uchikala Pujas are held for the Goddess.

Century/Period

300 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Erukkur

Nearest Railway Station

Mayiladuthurai

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple