Kuralnatham Pidari Amman Temple, Salem
Address
Kuralnatham Pidari Amman Temple, Salem
Kuralnutham, Salem District,
Tamil Nadu 636204
Amman
Pidari Amman
Introduction
- Location: Near Panamarathupatti, in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, in the village of Kuralnatham.
- The temple is the guardian deity for eight surrounding villages, including Thippampatti, Athippatti, Kullampatti, Muthanur, Suryur, and Kuralnatham.
- Located beside Panamarathupatti Lake, offering blessings to devotees from these villages.
- Features an ancient Aacha tree near the goddess’s main idol.
Guardian Deities
- Pidari Amman is the main deity, with other deities such as Kannimar, Muniappan, and Karuppanar offering additional protection and blessings.
Puranic Significance
- The temple’s origin dates back approximately 350 years, coinciding with the creation of Panamarathupatti Lake by the British.
- The creation of the lake led to the displacement of villagers, who then established the temple on its banks.
- Pidari Amman is believed to roam the village at night, protecting and blessing the community.
Beliefs and Practices
- Mace (Sulam):
- Mace weapons are placed throughout the temple.
- Sulam is believed to help recover lost items and cause trouble for those who took them.
- Upside-down Sulam is used for seeking monetary blessings or performing compensation rituals.
- Yellow Tali Ropes and Cradles:
- Devotees tie yellow tali ropes (used in marriage rituals) and cradles in front of the temple.
- These are symbolic acts to lift marriage bans and seek blessings for childbirth, signifying faith in the goddess’s power to grant marital bliss and fertility.
Festivals
- The temple holds special poojas on:
- Tuesdays
- Fridays
- Pournami (full moon days)
- Amavasai (new moon days)
- Ippasi Festival:
- The most significant annual celebration, drawing large crowds of devotees who seek the blessings of Pidari Amman.
Century/Period
350 years ago
Nearest Bus Station
Kuralnatham
Nearest Railway Station
Salem
Nearest Airport
Salem