Ammangudi Kailasanathar Durga Parameswari Temple- Thanjavur

ADDRESS:

Ammangudi Kailasanathar Durga Parameswari Temple,

Ammangudi, Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk,

Thanjavur District – 612 202

Phone: +91 435 246 7167 Mobile: +9194430 46255 / 94439 32983

MOLLAVAR: Kailasanathar

AMMAN: Durga Parameswari

INTRODUCTION:

The Mahishasuramardhini Temple in Ammangudi, near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lord Kailasanathar.

Historical Background: The temple has a rich history dating back to the Chola period. It is believed to have been consecrated by Krishnarama Brahmarayan, the chief commander of the army of Rajaraja Chola I, in 944 A.D. During the Chola period, it was known by names like Ammangudi and Rajarajeswaram.

Origin of the Name Ammangudi: According to legend, Mahishasura was wearing a Lingam around his neck, which Devi Durga removed from his severed neck and installed as Lord Kailasanathar in Ammangudi. Devi then engaged in penance for 12 years in Ammangudi to atone for killing Mahishasura. She installed a Vinayaka idol for uninterrupted penance. After 12 years, Lord Kailasanathar appeared before her, telling her that the evil effects of slaying Mahishasura had vanished, and instructed her to remain in Ammangudi to protect devotees. Thus, the place became known as Ammangudi.

Papa Vimochana Theertham: Devotees believe that Goddess Durga, after slaying Mahishasura, took a holy dip in the Cauvery River and then reached Ammangudi. She washed her trident (weapon used to kill Mahishasura) in the Pushkarini (temple tank) at Ammangudi. This tank is known as Papa Vimochana Theertham, as it is believed to cleanse people of their sins.

Special Features: The temple’s uniqueness lies in the east-facing shrine of Goddess Durga. While Durga shrines in Shiva temples are generally on the Koshta wall, here she has a separate east-facing shrine. She is also known as Durga Parameswari or Mahishasuramardhini and is depicted seated on her lion mount with eight hands, holding various weapons.

The temple lacks a separate shrine for Navagrahas (nine planetary deities) since Devi Durga herself presides over them. Notable deities in the temple include the Sun God in the form of a child wearing ankle jewelry (Thandai), Saraswathi without her traditional veena, and Ganesha made of Salagrama Stone.

Beliefs: Devotees visit this temple to seek relief from sins, blessings of children, and improved knowledge and concentration for students. Special pujas for reducing the negative effects of planetary aspects, relief from sins (Dosham), and blessings for children are held here. Devotees also pray to Lord Ganesha (Tapas Maragatha Vinayakar) for knowledge and concentration in education.

Festivals: The temple celebrates various festivals, including Maha Shivaratri, Margazhi Thiruvadhirai, Panguni Uthiram, Karthigai, Navaratri, Durga Ashtami, and special pujas on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Mondays for various purposes such as marriage, wealth, child blessings, disease relief, and more. The temple holds a special Sura Samharam festival on the eighth day of Navaratri.

The Mahishasuramardhini Temple in Ammangudi is not only a place of worship but also a site rich in history, legends, and unique features. It holds spiritual significance for devotees seeking various blessings and is a center of religious and cultural celebrations during festivals.