Mahalikudi Ujjaini Kaliamman Temple, Trichy

Address

Sri Ujjaini Kaliamman Temple,

Mahalikudi,

Trichy district – 62112.

Phone: +91-431 267 0860, 267 0460, 98424 02999

Amman

Kaliamman

Introduction

The Ujjayini Om Magaliyamman Temple, located in Magalikudi near Samayapuram, is around 1000 years old. The temple’s sacred tree is the Magali tree, and it holds significant spiritual importance.

Puranic Significance

Unique Form of the Goddess:

The presiding deity, is a rare manifestation of Goddess Shakti with three hands and a single breast.
- Though she holds weapons like a skull, trident, and torch, her face remains calm and smiling, unlike the typically fierce form of Kali.
- This is the only known temple where such a form of the Goddess exists, embodying joy and prosperity after vanquishing evil.

Divine Significance:

The goddess here symbolizes Arthanareeswara, as Lord Shiva is said to manifest in the form of the Goddess.
- This is reinforced by the Eka Kalasa design on the temple vimana – a feature traditionally reserved for Shiva temples, indicating His presence.

Ujaini Kaliamman:

Said to be offered to the temple by King Vikramaditya.
- The temple also has idols of Vedala and Kaluvan, the king’s wise minister—a rare feature not seen in any other temple.

Valampuri Vinayakar:

Lord Ganesha in this temple has his trunk curving to the right, considered very auspicious.
- There is also a dancing Ganesha (Aananda Nardana Vinayaka) idol made of Aimpon (a five-metal alloy).
- A special Vinayaka idol offered by Sri Kanchi Maha Periaval Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal is also present.

Karuppannasami:

A fierce guardian deity who is usually seen locked with handcuffs in the shrine.
- Only on festival days is the lock removed, and he is said to escort the Goddess during the chariot festival (Rath Utsavam).
- Once the chariot returns, he is locked again, reflecting his vow-bound guardian role.

Unusual Placement of Deities:

Lord Vinayaka and Lord Subramanya are reversed in placement at the temple entrance—Vinayaka is typically on the left, but here, he is on the right.

Shivalinga Sculpture:

A Shivalinga is sculpted on the wall, again emphasizing the Shiva presence in the Goddess temple.

Festivals

Temple celebrates several important festivals throughout the year. Among them, the 10-day Navaratri festival, held during the Tamil month of Purattasi (September–October), is a major event marked by devotion and vibrant rituals. Another significant festival is the 21-day Agni Nakshatra, observed with traditional fervor. In addition to these, special poojas are conducted on auspicious days such as Poornima, Amavasya and Ashtami (the eighth day after the new or full moon), drawing devotees from near and far.