Significant Stand Alone Temples

Munugapet Pachaiamman Temple, Thiruvannamalai

lightuptemple November 8, 2022December 12, 20240

Address

Munugapet Village, Cheyyar Taluk,

Thiruvannamalai District,

Tamil Nadu – 604504

Phone: 04182-244441 Mobile: +91 8608999572

Amman

Pachaiamman

Introduction:
The Munugapet Pachaiamman Temple, located in Thiruvannamalai district near Vazhapanthal and Cheyyar circle, is a 1000-year-old temple. Approximately 150 km from Chennai, it is the original Pachaiamman temple, inspiring others in Thiruvannamalai and Thirumullaivoil, Chennai. The temple is unique for its stucco images instead of stone idols, typical of ancient village temples. Ashta Bhandana Mahakumbhabhishekam was performed on June 4, 2012. The site, called Mukkoodal, marks the confluence of three rivers and is believed to be where Goddess Parvathi worshipped a Swayambu Lingam (Lord Shiva).

Puranic Significance:
According to legend, Goddess Parvathi, after being cursed by Lord Shiva, performed penance at Munugapet to regain her status. She created a water source during her rituals, forming the three rivers seen here. A 5-foot Shiva Lingam worshipped by Parvathi remains at the site.

During her penance, the dust generated by devotees attracted King Surapadman, who attempted to marry the goddess. Enraged, Pachaiamman transformed into Kali, mounted a lion, and, with the aid of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and the Sapta Rishis, defeated and killed Surapadman and his warriors.

Festivals:
Major festivals include Chitra Poornima (April-May), Vaikasi Visakam (May-June), Aadi Pooram (July-August), Vinayaka Chaturthi (August-September), Navaratri (September-October), and Maha Shivaratri (February-March).