Paramakudi Muthala Parameswari Temple – Ramanathapuram

Address

Paramakudi Muthala Parameswari Temple – Ramanathapuram

Paramakudi,

Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu -623 707

Phone: +91- 4564 – 229 640

Amman

Muthala Parameswari

Introduction

Location:

• Situated in Paramakudi town, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu.
• About 80 km from Madurai; accessible by bus (Ilayangudi-bound) and close to the Vaigai Palam stop.
• Nearest railway station: Paramakudi, and nearest airport: Madurai.

Temple History:

• The temple is around 1000 years old.
• The Thala Virutcham (sacred tree) is the Kadamba Tree.
• The temple’s Agama (rituals) follows Shivagama.
• The Theertham (holy water) of the temple is the Vaigai River.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple honors Goddess Muthala Parameswari, named after a young woman who outsmarted a Chola king in a pearl chain contest using ants, leading to her self-immolation.
• The king, impressed by her wisdom, tried to marry her, but she refused and ended her life. A temple was later built in her memory with sand from the place of her immolation.
• The name “Muthala” (pearls) is derived from her role in the pearl chain contest.

Beliefs:

• Devotees seek cures for illnesses, especially those suffering from Naga Dosham (snake-related afflictions).
• Milk abishek to Nagas is performed by those facing adverse serpent planetary effects.
• Devotees often perform Abishek (ritualistic bathing of the deity) and offer sweet pudding (Sarkarai Pongal) as nivedhana for blessings.

Special Features:

• The temple is located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River.
• The goddess, Muthala Parameswari, is depicted as merciful, seated on a lotus-shaped pedestal with four hands holding a Trident, Skull (Kabala), Kataka (bracelet), and Damaruka (drum). Her Lion vehicle is depicted in front.
• Other shrines in the temple include those of Sri Mariamman, Marthandi Amman, Pothiraja, Karuppannasami, and Sri Anjaneya.
• The goddess is believed to bless devotees with success in education and research activities.

Festivals:

• Panguni Brahmotsavam (March-April): The main festival, where the goddess is carried in the Rishaba Vahanam (Nandi vehicle).
• Masi Poochoridhal (February-March): A festival where devotees shower the goddess with baskets of flowers.
• Aadi Mulaikottu Vizha (July-August): A significant celebration.
• Purattasi Navarathri (September-October): A festival honoring the goddess with prayers and rituals.

Century/Period

1000 Years Old.

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Paramakudi

Nearest Railway Station

Paramakudi

Nearest Airport

Madurai

Location on Map

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