Melpattambakkam Adhi Angalamman Temple, Cuddalore

Address

Melpattambakkam,

Cuddalore District,

Tamilnadu– 607104.

Amman

Adhi Angalaman

Introduction

Location: Melpattambakkam, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu
Deity: Goddess Angalamman (Adhi Angalamman)
Significance: The temple is renowned for its spiritual and cultural importance, particularly among the fishing community. It is one of the few special shrines dedicated to Goddess Angalamman.

Puranic Significance

Origin of the Temple: The temple’s history is rooted in the struggles of the Parvadaraja clan, a community of fishermen, who were facing severe economic hardship due to a poor catch of fish.
The Miracle: While contemplating how to build a temple for Goddess Angalamman, the fishermen prayed at the beach. Afterward, they found a small black stone in their fishing nets. Believing the stone had divine power, they brought it to shore, where a woman (believed to be Goddess Parashakti) appeared and instructed them to build a temple for her.
Divine Assurance: The goddess assured them that their business would prosper, and upon returning to the sea, they caught an abundance of fish, enabling them to construct a temple with the proceeds from their catch.

The Sculptor’s Vision

An old sculptor named Mayavarathan, from Mayavaram, arrived in the village after the fishermen’s miracle. He claimed to have been directed in a dream by Goddess Parashakti to carve a divine idol for the temple. His sculpting skills gave life to a beautiful idol, which was consecrated in the temple, marking the beginning of the temple’s formal worship.

Beliefs and Practices

Ama Abhishekam and Theerthavari: A special ritual called “Ama Abhishekam” is performed to the goddess, followed by a procession of the goddess to the riverbank, where a holy ritual called Theerthavari is conducted.
Blessings for Childless Couples: Devotees, particularly those without children, believe that praying to Goddess Angalamman can grant them children. The temple celebrates the birth of such children with a ceremony where the child is placed at the feet of the goddess for her blessings.

Special Features

The Stone and Its Power: The small stone found in the fishing nets is considered to have divine power, marking the beginning of the temple’s establishment. The stone is revered as the manifestation of Goddess Angalamman.
Sculpture by Mayavarathan: The idol of the goddess in the sanctum was crafted by the sculptor Mayavarathan, adding to the temple’s rich cultural heritage.

Festivals

Masi Maha Utsavam: A significant festival celebrated over five days, with the highlight being the Tirthavari Utsavam, where special pujas are performed, and the goddess is taken in a procession to the banks of the Tenpenna River for a sacred ritual.
Unchal Utsavam: Held every new moon day, this festival involves a grand procession of the goddess, and devotees believe it brings blessings, particularly to childless couples.