Manalmelgudi Ujjaini Makali Amman Temple, Pudukkottai

Address

Sri Ujjaini Makali Amman Temple,

Manalmelgudi, Aranthangi,

Pudukkottai district – 614260.

Amman

Makali Amman

Introduction

The Ujjaini Makali Amman Temple is located in the heart of Manalmelgudi town near Aranthangi in Pudukkottai district. Built around 95 years ago, the temple has a powerful origin story rooted in a time of crisis. During a severe cholera outbreak, when no medical facilities were available, a divine event occurred. At midnight, a cart driver named Karuppan, possessed by the goddess, took a trident from under a neem tree and declared, “I am Ujjaini Makali. I have come to save you.” He planted the trident in the town’s center, proclaiming the end of the disease.

Since then, locals believe that sincerely praying to the goddess protects them from all diseases. The temple, facing east, is architecturally inspired by the Kali temples of Gujarat. It is accessible from Pudukkottai via Aranthangi to Manalmelgudi.