Tirupur Sri Kottai Mariamman Temple

Address

Tirupur Sri Kottai Mariamman Temple,

Tirupur district,

Tamil Nadu- 641602

Phone: +91- 0421 – 247 2200, 2484141.

Amman

Kottai Mariamman (Koteeswari Mari)

Introduction

The Sri Kottai Mariamman Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in the Tirupur district of Tamil Nadu, India. The main deity of the temple is Sri Mariamman, considered the mother of the entire world. Mariamman is swayambu (self-manifested) and is enshrined in a separate shrine. In addition to the main Mariamman deity, two swayambu Ambal (goddesses) are placed to the left and right of Mariamman.

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to be approximately 1500 years old, with a rich history of devotion and worship.

Legend of Discovery: The temple’s origin is associated with a farmer who was a devout devotee of Shakti. He discovered that one of his cows was pouring its milk at a specific spot. This unusual phenomenon led to the discovery of the Goddess. Mariamman appeared in the farmer’s dream and informed him of her presence. Subsequently, villagers came together, found the idol of Goddess Mariamman, and built the temple.
Swayambu Goddesses: Besides the main Mariamman deity, two additional swayambu goddesses are enshrined. These three goddesses represent the main Goddesses – Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswathi.
Iconography: The Mariamman deity on the right side is white in color and is depicted as a mother holding a child. Notably, the child aspect of Mariamman holds a demon that has been defeated.
Name “Kottai Mariamman”: The temple is named “Kottai Mariamman” because it is believed that Tippu Sultan built his fortress in this location for his army. In Tamil, “fort” is referred to as “Kottai.”
Other Deities: The temple complex features shrines for various deities, including Kasi Vinayaka, Balamurugan, Nagar (Snake God), Karupparayar, and Kannimar (protective deities).

Beliefs

Devotees seek the permission of the Goddess through flowers before planning any function in their homes and before starting a business. Couples pray here for eternal conjugal unity. Majority of the devotees pray for cure from measles. Realizing their boons, devotees perform abishek to the Goddess, contribute to the temple depending on their means and arrange feeding (Annadhanam).