Mandhai Karai Kali Temple,Nagapattinam

Address

Kali, Mayiladuthurai Circle,

Nagapattinam District,

Tamil Nadu 609811

Moolavar

Thirugameshwar

Amman

Abirami, Balasukampal

Introduction

Mandhai Karai Kali Temple is dedicated to goddess Kali located in Kali Village in Mayiladuthurai Taluk in Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu. The temple is situated on the banks of Vikraman River. This village is said to have seven goddess’s temples. The temple is situated at about 9 Kms to the west of Nidur on Mayiladuthurai to Manalmedu route.

Puranic Significance

As per legend, the village was called as Srinivasapuram named after Lord Srinivasa Perumal. It is said that the idol of main deity, Kaliyamman, was found in the Vikraman River. Once, the village and its agricultural fields were heavily flooded due to the torrential rain. Due to devastation of the floods, epidemic diseases and famine struck the village. Several villagers and livestock died due to the lack of medication and food. The surviving villagers surrendered to Abhirami of Thirukameswarar temple for relief

They light deepas and performed abhishekam to Abhirami. During deepa aradhana, an old lady got possessed by the goddess and told villagers that she was hidden in the form of Kali under earth in Keeraimedu canal. She further asked the villagers to excavate the idol and build temple for the idol for relief from the natural fury. As instructed, the villagers went to the Keeraimedu canal, excavated the idol and installed the idol. The villagers worshipped the idol sincerely and got relief.

As goddess Kali shown the destination (Karai) for the people who were roaming like a herd (Mandhai) during the natural calamity, she came to be called as Mandhai Karai Kali. It is said that Lord Srinivasa Perumal appeared in the dreams of several villagers and ordered them to rename the village as Kali instead of Srinivasapuram in gratitude to Kaliyamman. The shrine of Kaliyamman can be seen at the entrance of the Kali village

Beliefs

Devotees worship goddess Kaliyamman to get relief from Rahu, Ketu and Chevvai doshas

Special Features

The Temple is believed to be 500- 1000 years old. This temple is facing towards north. Her lion mount and Balipeedam can be found facing towards the sanctum. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum and ardha mandapam. Sub shrines of Vinayaga and Murugan can be seen at the entrance of the ardha mandapam. The sanctum enshrines an image of Mandhai Karai Kali, a form of goddess Durga.