Santhaveli pettai Uruppidi Amman Temple, Cuddalore

Address

Santhaveli pettai, Kurinjipadi circle,

Cuddalore District

Tamilnadu- 607303.

Amman

Uruppidi Amman

Introduction

The Santhaveli Pettai Amman Temple is located in the Santhaveli Pettai village, Kurinjipadi circle, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu. It is a significant temple with an interesting history.

Location:

The temple is situated in the village of Santhaveli Pettai, within the Kurinjipadi circle of Cuddalore District.
It is located approximately 6 kilometers north of Vadalur.

Historical Background:

The temple has historical roots dating back to the Chola Empire. It was ruled by Veeramundanar, who served under the Chola Empire.
The Rajaraja Highway, which currently forms part of the Chennai-Kumbakonam road, passes through the western part of the fort.
The temple’s significance is tied to the construction of a bridge across the Kanyakoil stream that flows through this highway.

Construction of the Bridge:

Veeramundanar was tasked with building a bridge across the Kanyakoil stream. The first bridge built by him broke due to flooding, resulting in casualties among those who attempted to cross it.
Upon receiving an order from the Chola king to build a strong bridge, Veeramundanar faced immense pressure to ensure its stability.

Sacrifice by Veeramundanar’s Daughter:

A sorcerer advised Veeramundanar that the bridge could be made stable if a child was sacrificed by placing a “soolam” (a spear or trident) in front of the bridge during its construction.
Veeramundanar’s daughter was aware of this plan and wanted to prevent the sacrifice.
On the night of the new moon, she informed her father that she would pray to their family deity (Kuladevam) near the collapsed bridge.

Tragic Sacrifice and Bridge Construction:

Veeramundanar’s daughter performed prayers near the bridge.
Tragically, she sacrificed herself by taking a piece of cloth, scratching her stomach, and placing the fetus on a leaf in front of her. She then stabbed herself in the stomach and bled to death.
Before her death, she made her father promise to immediately build the bridge as she had pledged.
Following her sacrifice, Veeramundanar fulfilled her wish by constructing a bridge at the site and also erected a temple dedicated to his daughter near the bridge.

Uruppidi Amman Blessings:

The temple is dedicated to Uruppidi Amman, who is believed to bestow blessings to those who seek wealth and children.
Devotees pray to Uruppidi Amman for fertility and prosperity, and it is believed that she grants blessings by providing the wealth needed for child-rearing.