Kil Kodungalur Muthumari Amman Temple- Thiruvannamalai
Address
Kil Kodungalur Muthumari Amman Temple- Thiruvannamalai
Kil Kodungalur, Vandavasi,
Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu 604403
Phone: +91 – 4183 – 242 406
Amma
Sri Muthumari amman
Introduction
Location:
- Muthumari Amman Temple is situated in Kil Kodungalur Village, Vandavasi Taluk, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.
- The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old and is dedicated to Muthumari Amman, a manifestation of Renukadevi, the mother of Sage Parasurama.
Puranic Significance:
The temple is steeped in a significant Puranic story related to Renukadevi and her son Parasurama:
- The Story of Renukadevi and Jamadagni:
Renukadevi, the wife of Sage Jamadagni, was known for her chastity. Each day, she would make mud pots and carry water for her husband’s pujas. One day, while carrying water, she saw the reflection of a handsome Gandharva in the river. Although she did not feel any temptation, she paused to admire his beauty. As a result, her pot broke.
Sage Jamadagni, using his divine powers, saw the incident and, believing that his wife had broken her chastity by appreciating the Gandharva’s beauty, ordered her death. Her sons refused to carry out the act, except for Parasurama, the youngest, who obeyed his father’s command.- Restoring Renukadevi’s Life: After killing his mother, Parasurama asked his father to restore her life. Jamadagni allowed him to restore her, but Parasurama mistakenly placed her head on a wrong body. The woman, now revived, was half-burnt and adorned with neem leaves and turmeric water to cover the burns.
- Mari Amman: Due to the tragic death and rebirth of Renukadevi, the goddess took on the name Mari Amman, symbolizing the goddess of rain. The worship practices associated with Manjal Neerattu (turmeric water bathing) and neem leaf coverings stem from this story.
Beliefs:
- Shakti Worship:
The worship of Shakti (divine feminine power) is an ancient practice, and at the Muthumari Amman Temple, the tradition of using neem leaves as offerings is prevalent.- Heat-Related Ailments: Devotees afflicted with heat-related diseases pray at this temple for relief, seeking the blessings of the goddess.
- Child and Marriage Boons: Many devotees visit the temple to seek blessings for fertility and marriage. Some also engage in the practice of wearing neem leaf clothing as a form of devotion to the goddess, believing it will fulfill their vows.
Festivals:
- Aadi Month Fridays (July-August):
- The Aadi month (falling between July and August) is considered highly auspicious for the worship of Muthumari Amman, with Fridays being particularly significant for devotees seeking the goddess’s blessings.
- Special rituals and prayers are performed on these Fridays, with many devotees engaging in the practice of turmeric water bathing and offering neem leaves.
- Purattasi Navarathri (September-October):
- The Navarathri festival in the month of Purattasi (September-October) is celebrated with much enthusiasm. This festival marks nine nights of worship dedicated to Shakti and culminates with vibrant rituals, prayers, and offerings to the goddess Muthumari Amman.
Century/Period
1000 Years Old
Nearest Bus Station
Kil Kodungalur
Nearest Railway Station
Thiruvannamalai
Nearest Airport
Puducherry