Irukkankudi Mari Amman Temple, Virudhunagar

Address

Irukkankudi, Sattur, Virudhunagar district,

Tamil Nadu- 626202

Phone: +91-4562 259 614, 259 864, 94424 24084

Amman

Mari Amman

Introduction

Mariamman Temple at Irukkankudi near Sattur in Tamil Nadu attracts thousands of devotees daily. The number of devotees visiting Irukkankudi Mariamman temple increases in Aadi (June) month especially on Fridays. The last Friday in Aadi month is highly auspicious in the temple – the utsava murti – the murti (idol) used for festival purposes – is taken on Vrishaba Vahanam (Devi mounted on bull) from the village side to the main temple located in between the two rivers of Arjuna and Vaippar.

Puranic Significance

The two rivers – Arjuna and Vaippar – are associated with the Pandavas. The temple is located between these two rivers. Legend has it that the murti of Goddess Mariamman in the temple is Swayambhu – appeared on its own. Legend has it that a group of women had been to the middle of the Vaippar River to collect cow dung which they had placed for drying during summer season. One of the women, Paripooranthammal, could not lift her basket after placing it on the riverbed. Even after removing the cow dung, the basket could not be lifted. Later, when the villagers came there, the woman in a trance said that they should construct a temple for Goddess Mariamman who would protect them.

Beliefs

Those suffering from impaired vision, stomach pain and other troubles, small pox, pain in hands and legs pray to Mari Amman for relief. Realizing their wishes, devotees perform abishek and aaradhanas to Amman.

Special Features

The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. Usual murtis of Mariamman is in sitting posture with left leg folded and right leg hanging. At Irukkankudi Mariamman temple the right leg is folded and left leg is hanging. She is in sitting posture. The temple also has murtis of Nandi, Ganesha, Vazha Vandha Amman and Rakachi Amman, Pechi Amman, Muppidari Amman, Kathavarayan, Vairavamurthi and Karuppu Swami.