Sathyamangalam Sri Bannari Amman Temple, Erode

Address

Sathyamangalam Sri Bannari Amman Temple, Bannari, Sathyamangalam Taluk Erode District – 638 401 Phone: +91 4295 243 366 / 243 442 / 243 289 Mobile: +91 93602 77929 / 94420 15189

Diety

Amman: Mariamman

Introduction

The Bannari Amman Temple is a prominent temple dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, located in the village of Bannari near Sathyamangalam Town in Sathyamangalam Taluk, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

Location:

The temple is situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats and is located on the bus route from Sathyamangalam to Mysore.

Mythological Significance:

According to local folklore and legend, the temple’s history is rooted in a unique event involving a cowherd. The cowherd noticed that one particular cow refused to give milk to him and wouldn’t let its calf near. The cowherd decided to investigate and followed the cow secretly. He observed the cow standing beneath a Vengai tree and witnessed milk flowing from its udder spontaneously. This miraculous event drew the attention of the villagers, and they decided to excavate the spot. To their surprise, they discovered an anthill with a self-manifested Lingam (Swayambhu Linga).
A villager entered into a trance and conveyed a divine message that the deity safeguarded traders from Tamil Nadu traveling to Mysore on this route. The villagers were instructed to build a temple in her name, and that’s how Bannari Mariamman became the permanent deity of the region.

Religious Significance:

Devotees visit the Bannari Amman Temple to seek relief from various ailments such as chickenpox, eye problems, and joint pains. They also pray for blessings related to childbirth, abundant agricultural yields, and the removal of marriage obstacles.
After their wishes are fulfilled, devotees often offer salt and pepper to Bannari Mariamman.

Temple Architecture:

The temple faces south and features an entrance arch on the eastern side.
The presiding deity, Bannari Mariamman, is depicted holding Kapalam, Damaru, Knife, and Pasam in her hands.
The temple complex includes the Sanctum Sanctorum, Artha Mandapam, Shobana Mandapam, and Maha Mandapam. The Shobana Mandapam, with 24 pillars, is situated in front of the entrance of the temple.
Other deities in the temple complex include Bommaraya Swamy, Santhana Ganapathy, Madheswara Moorthy, Sarugu Mariyamman, and Muniappa Swamy.

Festivals:

The temple hosts various festivals throughout the year, with the most famous being the Kundam Festival, celebrated for 20 days in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April). During this festival, devotees participate in the ritual of walking on a fire pit (Kundam), and it attracts lakhs of devotees.
The temple is particularly crowded on special days such as new moon days, Tuesdays, and Fridays. Other festivals celebrated include Deepavali, Pongal, and Tamil and English New Year days.
Women devotees participate in the Thiruvilakku Pooja on the last Friday of every Tamil month.