Veerakeralampudur Vadakku Vasal Selvi Amman Temple -Thirunelveli

Address

Veerakeralampudur Vadakku Vasal Selvi Amman Temple -Thirunelveli

Veerakeralampudur, Thirunelveli district,

Tamil Nadu – 627358

Amman

Vadakku Vasal Selvi Amman

Introduction

Location:

• The Vadakku Vasal Selvi Amman Temple is located in Veerakeralampudur Village, Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.
• The village is surrounded by two rivers: Chittar River and Hanumanathi River, which merge to form a major tributary of the Thamirabarani River.
• Veerakeralampudur is approximately 22 km from Tenkasi and 130 km from Thiruvananthapuram.

Puranic Significance:

• Vadakku Vasal Selvi Amman is considered a powerful village deity, believed to be a form of Ambika and Kali.
• According to the Ramayana, the temple’s significance is tied to the story of Rishi Gautama and Indra. When Indra, in the form of Gautama, wronged Ahalya, Gautama cursed both Ahalya and Indra. Ahalya was turned into stone, and Indra was cursed with Sahasrayoni (thousands of female genitalia).
• Later, Gautama showed mercy and changed the curses. Indra’s curse was turned into thousands of eyes (Sahasraksha), and Ahalya was granted liberation by the touch of Lord Rama’s feet.
• To absolve himself of his sins, Indra consecrated two Shiva Lingas, Neelamani Nathar and Arunachaleswarar, at Arjunapuri (Kadayanallur), and installed Vadakku Vasal Selvi Amman on the northern side of the village. Indra’s worship of the deities helped him rid himself of his sin.

Special Features:

• The Vadakku Vasal Selvi Amman Temple is believed to be over 1000 years old and is located on the northern side of the village.
• Selvi Amman is depicted as Bhadrakali Amman, while Neelakandeswari is depicted as Sakthi. She is also referred to as Uthradwara Palini.
• The two shrines, Selvi Amman and Neelakandeswari, are positioned opposite each other in the temple.
• Selvi Amman is shown holding a Trishula (trident) and a Vibhoothi Bowl (sacred ash bowl).
• Other shrines in the temple include deities such as Ganapathy, Nagars (serpent deities), Bhairava, and Karupusamy.
• The Thala Vriksham (sacred tree) of the temple is a Neem Tree, and the Theertham (sacred water) is the Chitraru River.

Pilgrimage Significance:

• The temple holds great religious importance, particularly for the locals and devotees seeking blessings for various aspects of life, including health, prosperity, and protection from evil forces. The legend surrounding the temple connects it to the themes of redemption and liberation from curses.

Century/Period

500 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Veerakeralampudur

Nearest Railway Station

Tenkasi.

Nearest Airport

Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.

Location on Map

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