Paganeri Pulvanayaki Amman Temple, Sivaganga

Address

Paganeri, Sivaganga district,

Tamil Nadu- 630558.

Amman

Pulvanayaki Amman

Introduction

The Pulvanayaki Amman Temple, located in Paganeri, 6 km from Madagupatti in Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu, is an ancient temple with a rich history.

The Pulvanayaki Amman Temple is situated in Paganeri, which is approximately 6 km from Madagupatti and 24 km from Sivaganga.
The nearest railway station is Manamadurai, and the nearest airport is Madurai.

Puranic Significance

The temple has a history dating back 1000 years and holds cultural and historical significance in the region.
The temple’s origin is associated with the legend of a proud demon who had obtained many boons, causing distress to the people on earth.
In response to the people’s prayers for protection, Lord Shiva decided to eliminate the demon with the help of Goddess Ambica.
During a playful moment, Ambica covered Lord Shiva’s eyes with her hands, and as a result, she was born on earth to fulfill her mission.
She engaged in a battle with the demon who used various magical tactics to deceive her. However, the demon took the form of a grass, but Ambica, in the form of a deer, swallowed him.
People later discovered the idol of the mother in this form, and the temple was built. The word “Pulvai” in Tamil means deer, hence the name Pulvanayaki.

Beliefs

Persons hurt by others unjustly seek the grace of Mother by embracing the Kodimaram in the temple. Devotees on realizing their wishes execute their prayer commitment in a novel way. During the festivals in the temple, they organize Jallikattu (bull fight) and fulfill their commitment. The practice still exists.

Special Features

Deity and Iconography:

The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Pulvanayaki Amman.
The temple also houses a panchaloka (made of five metals) idol of Goddess Chamundeeswari in a fierce form. Her eyes are set to look at the ground only, and she is brought out in procession only during a specific festival in the Aani month (June-July).
Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport, is followed as a prayer commitment in the temple.

Special Rituals and Beliefs:

Newly wedded couples and pregnant women are allowed to see the deity in procession.
A sacred spring in front of the temple contains creatures or germs, which over time turn into stones called Saligrama. Devotees take a dip in this tank as it is considered very sacred.
The temple features a shrine for Lord Kainthavakala Ganapathy, and statues that were part of the temple’s car (rath) are installed under the tower.
Shrines for Bhairava, Muneeswara, and Saneeswara Bhagwan can also be found.
Devotees who have faced injustice, been wrongly punished, or cheated by others come to the temple to embrace the Kodimaram (temple flagpole), submit their grievances, and seek justice.
It is believed that Mother Pulvanayaki listens to their pleas and ensures justice is served.

Festivals

Purattasi Navarathri in September-October, Aadi Fridays in July-August and Thai Fridays in JanuaryFebruary are the festivals celebrated in the temple.