Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman Temple- Kanyakumari

Address

Mandaikadu Main Rd, Mandaikadu,

Kanyakumari district,

Tamil Nadu 629252

Amman

Bhagavathi Amman

Introduction

Mandaikadu Bhagavathy Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Parvati, known as Bhagavathy, located in Mandaikadu Village near Colachel on the western coast of Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu. Situated close to the Nagercoil-Colachel State highway, the temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Built in the Kerala architectural style, the temple is simple yet spiritual, and is administered by the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department of Tamil Nadu. The temple has been a significant part of the region’s religious heritage for over 2000 years.

Puranic Significance

Sabarimala for Women:
Mandaikadu Bhagavathy Temple is often referred to as the “Sabarimala for Women.” Devotees, particularly women, visit the temple with the Irumudi (a sacred bundle) much like the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. The temple’s 15-foot-tall anthill, which is believed to house the goddess, is central to the worship.
Shankaracharya’s Samadhi:
It is said that the great philosopher-saint Sri Shankaracharya performed Srichakra Puja with his disciples here. After a series of unusual events, he attained Samadhi at the site. The Srichakra did not turn back as expected after the puja, prompting the Acharya to stay and meditate, ultimately leading to his Samadhi at the spot where the anthill later began to grow.
Growth of the Sand Hill:
One of the most remarkable legends associated with this temple is the growth of the sand hill. A group of boys playing near the anthill accidentally dropped a palm fruit, causing blood to flow from the hill. Fearing the event, the villagers began lighting lamps at the temple. Later, a group of travelers came to the temple seeking food, and they were miraculously provided for by the goddess. The King of Travancore, inspired by a vision, eventually built a temple at the site. However, the sand hill continued to grow, leading to the temple’s reconstruction multiple times. The hill is said to grow by a grain’s height each year to this day.

Beliefs
Devotees believe that worship at Mandaikadu Bhagavathy Amman Temple brings blessings for various life challenges:

Marriage: Those facing delays in marriage or seeking a good spouse offer silk cloths and mangalsutras to the goddess.
Health: The handicapped offer silver limbs for cures, while people seeking children offer cradles.
Headaches: Devotees suffering from severe headaches offer Mandaiappam (a special pudding made from rice flour, sugar, and water) as prasadam, which is believed to bring relief.
Protection: People facing evil influences light crackers to ward off negative energy.

Special Features

The Anthill Deity:
The primary deity of the temple is the anthill, which is believed to represent Bhagavathy. The anthill, with five heads, is growing each year, and its face is at the top. The Srichakra (holy disc) lies near the anthill, further symbolizing the goddess’s divine presence.
Kerala Style Architecture:
Although the temple is in Tamil Nadu, it is constructed in the Kerala temple style, reflecting the region’s historical ties with Kerala. The temple’s simple yet sacred structure is characterized by clay tile roofing and an aura of tranquility.

Festivals

Kodai Festival:
The Kodai Festival, celebrated annually in March, is the temple’s major festival. Devotees from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala gather to participate in the festivities. The temple is particularly known for its association with women, who undertake pilgrimages with Irumudi, much like the men’s pilgrimage to Sabarimala.
Worship of Navagrahas:
The goddess of Mandaikadu is believed to have control over the nine planets (Navagrahas) in one’s astrological chart, and devotees seek her blessings for peace and prosperity in life.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com