Kuralnatham Pidari Amman Temple, Salem

Address

Kuralnutham, Salem District,

Tamil Nadu 636204

Amman

Pidari Amman

Introduction

The Pidari Amman Temple, situated near Panamarathupatti in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, is a sacred site located in the village of Kuralnatham. This temple is highly regarded as the guardian deity for eight surrounding villages, including Thippampatti, Athippatti, Kullampatti, Muthanur, Suryur, and Kuralnatham. Nestled by the Panamarathupatti Lake, Pidari Amman blesses devotees from these villages. The temple also features an ancient Aacha tree, which stands tall next to the goddess’s main idol. Additionally, other guardian deities such as Kannimar, Muniappan, and Karuppanar grace the temple, offering their protection and blessings to the villagers.

Puranic Significance:

The history of the Pidari Amman Temple dates back around 350 years, coinciding with the creation of Panamarathupatti Lake by the British, who needed a water source for drinking purposes. As part of this process, villagers living across 2,000 acres of land were displaced and resettled in the eight nearby villages. It was these displaced villagers who established the Pidari Amman Temple on the banks of the lake. Devotees believe that Pidari Amman roams the village at night, protecting and blessing the community.

Beliefs:

Upon visiting the temple, devotees are drawn to the sight of mace weapons (Sulam) neatly placed throughout the premises, some of which are even positioned upside down. The local custom involves planting a mace to retrieve lost belongings, as it is believed that the sulam’s presence will either recover the lost items or cause trouble for those who took them. Placing the mace upside down is a practice known as ‘compensation’, which is performed when seeking monetary blessings.

In front of the temple, many yellow tali ropes (used in marriage rituals) and cradles are tied in the cradle area. Devotees perform special prayers to lift marriage bans and to seek blessings for childbirth, symbolizing their faith in Pidari Amman’s powers to grant marital bliss and fertility.

Festivals:

The temple holds special poojas on Tuesdays, Fridays, as well as on Pournami (full moon days) and Amavasai (new moon days). The temple’s most significant celebration is the annual Ippasi festival, drawing large crowds of devotees who come to offer their prayers and receive the blessings of Pidari Amman.