Kurusamipuram Arunalakshmi Amman Temple, Tenkasi

Address

Kurusamipuram Arunalakshmi Amman Temple,

Kurusamipuram, Pavoorchatram,

Tenkasi District

Tamilnadu – 627808

Amman

Arunalakshmi

Introduction

Location: Kurusamipuram Village, Pavoorchatram, Tenkasi District, Tamil Nadu, India
Deity: Goddess Arunalakshmi
Age: Believed to be 500-1000 years old
Significance: Goddess Arunalakshmi is worshipped here as a deity who blesses devotees with prosperity, especially through the bounty of rain.

Puranic Significance

The temple’s origin is tied to the story of Sivaninainthaperumal and Shanmugavativammal, a childless couple from Kurusamipuram. Following the advice of an astrologer, the couple visited the Kuladeyva temple, leading to Shanmugavativammal’s pregnancy. She gave birth to a beautiful girl named Arunalakshmi. At the age of 19, Arunalakshmi married Ramachandran, the son of Muthukumar Nadar.

However, after childbirth, a conflict arose between Arunalakshmi and her mother over the use of birth control pills. On the 10th day of childbirth, her husband left her, and she collapsed at the border of the village, blocking the stone at the town’s edge. Arunalakshmi, struggling with health issues, was later brought back to her home by her mother. She continued to suffer from poor health and had a disfigured face with a thin appearance.

Before her death, Arunalakshmi prophesied that she would die on the following Tuesday, urging her family not to cremate her but to bury her where she had fallen. She vowed to guard her family and all those who respected and worshipped her. Subsequently, a Nadukal Nut Puja (stone worship) was performed at the burial site.

Later, an idol of Arunalakshmi was erected in the form of a woman standing with a child in her arms. The temple, which has since been renovated, now features a sanctum sanctorum with idols of Goddess Arunalakshmi and her daughter in the form of a young girl. Additionally, idols of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita Devi, and Anjaneyar are enshrined in the temple. Other deities such as Purumariamman, Sudalaimadan, and Isakkiamman are also present, along with a large statue of Goddess Gayatri in the temple complex.

Beliefs and Worship

Devotees believe that worshipping at this temple brings blessings of prosperity, relief from Puthra Dosha (challenges in bearing children), and child boons.
Goddess Arunalakshmi is revered for her protective and nurturing qualities, especially related to family welfare and rain for crops.

Festivals and Rituals

Full Moon Day: Special Puja and Annathanam (community feast) are held every month to honor the deity.
Rahu Kala Puja: A special puja and Yagya are performed during the Rahu Kala period on Sundays in honor of Goddess Gayatri.