Sholavandan Sri Janakai Mari Amman Temple, Madurai

Address

Sri Janakai Mari Amman Temple, Sholavandan – 625 214, Madurai District Phone: +91 4543 258987 Mobile: +91 94431 92101

Deity

Amman: Janakai Mari Amman

Introduction

• Location: Sholavandan Town, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Deity: Dedicated to Goddess Sakthi as Janagai Mariamman.
• Environment: Situated on the banks of the Vaigai River, surrounded by greenery.
• Historical Names: Known as Janaka Puri, Solaikuruchi, Chinna Thanjai, Chaturvedipuram, Anandasakaram, Janakayambathi, and Senagapuri.
• Temple Structure: East-facing temple with a five-tier gopuram. The presiding deity stands at two feet tall and is considered Swayambu (self-manifested).
• Family Deity: The temple is regarded as the family deity of almost the entire population of the 48 surrounding villages.
• Age: Believed to be 1000 years old.
• Accessibility: The shrine remains open in the afternoon on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Puranic Significance

• Legend of Renukadevi:
  • The temple’s story is closely linked to Renukadevi, the wife of Sage Jamadagni. Delaying the task of fetching water due to her attraction to a Gandharva, she faced the wrath of her husband, who commanded their son Parasurama to behead her. Upon realizing his mistake, Parasurama sought to revive her.
  • Jamadagni brought her back to life using mantras, but in a mistake, she was attached to a demon woman’s body, which transformed into a goddess known as Chandana Mari, bestowing blessings upon devotees.
• Cholavandan Legend:
  • Local folklore suggests the name originated from a war between the Chola and Pandya kingdoms. The Chola king, struck by the beauty and fertility of the land reminiscent of the Cauvery Delta, abandoned the battle. The town was thus named Cholavandan (Cholan + Uvandan), with Uvandan meaning “to be awed” in Tamil, reminiscent of Chinna Thanjai (a smaller Thanjai).

Beliefs

• Worship and Offerings:
  • Devotees visit the temple to pray for various wishes, such as:
    • Cure from smallpox.
    • Blessings for marriage, children, agricultural yields, and professional growth.
    • Good health and relief from ailments, including physical disabilities and witchcraft.
  • The commitment of devotees is reflected in their offerings, with many contributing to the temple’s renovation. Those afflicted by smallpox often bathe in the well, pray to Mari Amman, and consume theertha (holy water) prepared with turmeric and neem leaves for its medicinal properties.

Special Features

• Medical Beliefs: The temple is revered for its healing powers, particularly for serious ailments. Devotees consider it a medical temple.
• Surrounding Names: The temple is also known as Chaturvedipuram, Anandasakaram, and Janakayambathi.
• Theertham and Sthala Vriksham:
  • Theertham: Mari Theppam.
  • Sthala Vriksham: Vembu (Neem tree).
• Recent Renovations: The temple has undergone recent renovations to enhance its appearance and facilities.

Festivals

• Vaikasi Big Festival: A 17-day celebration in May-June, featuring flag hoisting and processions.
• Thai Pongal: Celebrated around January 14.
• Tamil New Year: Usually falls on April 14.
• Purattasi Navarathri: Celebrated in September-October with an Arrow festival on Vijayadasami day by the Vaigai River, traditionally accompanied by rain.
• Deepavali: Celebrated in October-November.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Sholavandan

Nearest Railway Station

Sholavandan

Nearest Airport

Madurai

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