Dharmapuri Sri Kalyana Kamakshi Amman Temple

Address

Dharmapuri Sri Kalyana Kamakshi Amman Temple,

Dharmapuri, Sangampatti,

Tamil Nadu 636701

Amman

Sri Kalyana Kamakshi

Introduction

Dharmapuri Sri Kalyana Kamakshi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Shoolini, located in the Dharmapuri town, Salem district, Tamil Nadu. Sri Kalyana Kamakshi Temple in the heart of Dharmapuri Town. This is one of the oldest temples in this district. This is a temple built for Mother Shoolini and like Sabarimalai, here the shrine is approached through 18 steps. Hence these 18 steps are considered very holy and accordingly are cleaned daily and poojas and aaratis offered to them. On the New Moon day, poojas to the steps are offered by Ladies and they are also given the right to hold the umbrella over the Aadhi Kamakshi utsava murthy. Another interesting thing is that the shrine is constructed in the shape of an 18 point star and in the philosophy, 18 represents the number of Sadh Gunas which are to be practiced to get her benevolence.

Puranic Significance

This is the only temple for Shoolini holding three tridents to destroy the buffalo headed demon Mahishasura. The Kalyana Kamakshi temple, also known as Sri Dharmapuri Kottai Koil with Mother Shoolini Raja Durga is one a devotee.

Durga or Yoga Maya is the other form of Lord Krishna. As advised by Lord Krishna, people are worshipping her as Sri Raja Durgambika for the welfare of humanity and many had performed penance on her. Durga is praised as Kottravai in our Tamil literatures. When sovereignty of the kingdom was in danger due to some political reasons, patriotic men worshipped Shoolini-Kottravai and had laid their very life in the altar of freedom of the state – a brave death. On such occasions of heroic pujas and offering one’s life by falling on a trident from an upper plot, Shoolini had protected them with her land with Vayu Sthambanam miracle. We have seen lime fruits punched on tridents in temple. This practice began from the above tradition. It is said that this practice began only in Dharmapuri and spread to other places. There is a hanging pillar in the temple as witness to this ancient ritual. The Temple is believed to be 1800 years old. With three tridents, devotees perform Sri Chandi Yajna dedicated to Shoolini for three days commencing from the third Friday of Thai month-January-February.

As Yudhistira, known popularly as Dharma worshipped Mother in this place, it came to be known as Dharmapuri. The place is also praised as Matru Mandir speaking the greatness and glory of Mother Kalyana Kamakshi in Shiva-Shakti union form on Pancha Brahmma throne with Brahmma, Vishnu, Shiva and Rudra as its four legs. This is the only temple with this philosophy. The sanctum Sanctorum is on a higher level above 18 steps. This is a rare darshan for the devotees who do abishek to steps and worship with flowers. This merciful appearance of Mother sitting on the “Parama Shiva Baryanga Nilaya” is well described by Acharya Sankara. On the Amavasya day – new moon day – women conduct the pujas for the steps. They also hold the umbrella for the procession of Mother Aadhi Kamakshi. The temple emphasizes the greatness of motherhood and importance of women in all aspects of life. Hence, the temple is praised as Matru Mandir as Matru Desa and Matru Basha – home land and mother tongue. Sri Kamakshi of the temple is praised as Dharmapuri Kalyana Kamakshi. Men or women who worship in the temple for five Ashtami days get their wishes blessed by Amman.

Beliefs

Mother Shoolini Raja Durga Yajna is conducted on the Ashtami day of full moon fortnight in the temple for removal of evil looks (Kan Dhrushti in Tamil), for unity in family and for business development. Devotees perform abishek and archanas to Amman and offer vastras.

Special Features

This is a temple built for Mother Shoolini appearing in a standing posture above 18 steps gracing the devotees. Darshan of Amman is open to devotees only on the third Tuesday of Aadi month – July-August. The temple is open from 4.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. on this day. On other days, devotees can have the darshan of only the face of Amman. Daily pujas are conducted only behind the screen.

Festivals

Monthly New Moon days – Amavasya; Ashtami days – the eighth day of new moon or full moon days; Poornima-full moon days; Chandi Yagam and Navarathri in September-October are the festivals celebrated in the temple.