Sri Suryamangalam Bagalamukhi Devi Temple, Tirunelveli

Address

Sri Suryamangalam Bagalamukhi Devi Temple, Manimuthar Road, South Papankulam, Kallidaikurichi, Temple Road, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu 627416

Deity

Amman: Bagalamukhi Devi

Introduction

• Location: The Sri Bagalamukhi Devi Temple is a unique shrine dedicated to Sree Bagalamukhi Devi, situated in Kallidaikurichi, in the Therkku Pappankulam village of Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. It is the first temple dedicated to this deity in South India.
• Historical Significance: Believed to be around 1,000 years old, the temple was established under the guidance of Sree Suryamangalam Advaitha Veda Vidhya Peetam. The foundation stone was laid by His Holiness Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetathipathi Jagadguru Pooja Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Sankaracharya Swamiji, marking a significant moment in its history.

Puranic Significance

• Dasamakavidya: The temple honors Bagalamukhi, one of the ten forms of goddess Ambal, collectively known as Dasamakavidya. The other forms include Matangi, Bhuvaneswari, Tripurasundari, Tara, Magali, Mahalakshmi, Chinnamastha, Dumavathi, and Bhairavi. Among these, Bagalamukhi is revered for her power to protect devotees from enemies and negativity.

Beliefs

• Rituals and Sacrifices:
  • New Moon Offerings: Devotees believe that sacrifices made to Bagalamukhi during the new moon will dispel fears and grant success in legal matters.
  • Suklashtami Rituals: Offerings made on Suklashtami are thought to remove ancestral curses and past sins.
  • Pournami Celebrations: Performing pujas on Pournami is believed to bring about positive changes, including the lifting of marriage bans, blessings for children, and advancements in careers.

Special Features

• Name and Symbolism: The name “Bagalamuki” combines Bagala and Muki. Bagala signifies the ability to oppress enemies, derived from the word valka. She is seen as a protector who bears the burdens of her devotees.
• Idol Representation:
  • Appearance: Bagalamuki is depicted with a smirk on her head, dressed in yellow, symbolizing prosperity and auspiciousness.
  • Two Idols: The temple features two types of idols: the Dhuvipujam with a seat and the Chaturbujam with four arms.
  • Arms and Weapons: The upper right hand holds a weapon known as the three arms, while the upper left hand bears another weapon. One hand showers grace, while another symbolizes her protection over her devotees by cutting out the tongues of their tormentors.
• Attributes: Also referred to as Pitambara Devi and Brahmastra Roubini, Bagalamuki embodies contrasting forces such as peace and chaos, wisdom and ignorance, strength and weakness, success and failure.
• Notable Temples: A famous Bagalamuki Temple is located in Kuma, in the Mandi region of Himachal Pradesh, alongside another dedicated temple in Kashi.

Festivals

• The temple celebrates key festivals, particularly Pournami (full moon) and Amavasai (new moon), drawing many devotees who come to seek blessings and participate in special rituals.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

South Papankulam

Nearest Railway Station

Tirunelveli

Nearest Airport

Thoothukudi

lightuptemple