Srivilliputhur Pathala Pechiamman Temple – Virudhunagar

Address

Srivilliputhur Pathala Pechiamman Temple – Virudhunagar,

Masapuram main road,

Renganathapuram, Srivilliputhur,

Tamil Nadu 626125

Amman

Pechiamman

Introduction

• Location: Near Thirumukkulam in Srivilliputhur town, Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, India
• Deity: Goddess Pechiamman, also known as Patala Pechi
• Age: Estimated to be between 500–1000 years old

Puranic Significance

• Guardian of the Village: Legend tells of three robbers—Irulappan, Mayandi, and Veerabhadran—who plagued the village until the villagers prayed to Goddess Parvathi for help. Parvathi, disguised as a pregnant woman, appeared before the robbers and blocked their way, growing in size until they could not pass. Realizing her divine presence, they repented and were forgiven, ultimately becoming guardians themselves under her divine power.
• Legend of the Well: Another legend tells of a pregnant woman attacked near a well who was saved by Irulappan and his companions. This act of protection is said to be why Pechiamman is revered as a guardian deity.
• Black Magician’s Defeat: A black magician from Kerala attempted to use his powers to capture Pechiamman and Irulappan. However, torrential rains swept his ritual away, showcasing the strength of Pechiamman and Irulappan’s spiritual power.
• Divine Manifestations: The main idol of Patala Pechi depicts her as a 6-foot-tall pregnant woman lying down, with the heads of Irulappan, Veerabhadran, and Mayandi placed behind her. Uniquely, the temple has no roof, as the goddess is believed to have declined one. Eighteen lamps on the temple wall represent assistant deities, symbolizing the goddess’s divine helpers.

Beliefs and Worship

• Healing Powers: Devotees believe Patala Pechi can cure ailments. By placing a lime on her body during worship, they believe the lime juice can heal their illnesses.
• Prosperity Ritual: A special ritual involves creating a black paste called “Mai kutti Marundu” by holding a ghee-coated pot over a flame. This paste is distributed to devotees, who believe applying it on their forehead brings success in important tasks.
• Prayers for Child Blessing and Protection: Devotees seek blessings for fertility, prosperity, and protection from fear. Many offer vastras (clothes) and ornaments to the goddess as tokens of devotion.

Festivals and Rituals

• Mahashivaratri: The main festival is celebrated annually with great fervor. The day before Mahashivaratri, priests perform a special midnight ritual that includes an offering prepared with a two-month-old lamb. The goddess’s acceptance of the offering is seen as a sign of her divine presence.
• Oracle Ritual: During Mahashivaratri, 19 oracles representing various castes enter a trance and answer devotees’ questions. This ritual, which extends for seven days, is a unique aspect of the temple’s festivities, attracting numerous devotees seeking divine guidance.

Century/Period

500 – 1000 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Srivilliputhur

Nearest Railway Station

Srivilliputtur station 

Nearest Airport

Madurai

Location on Map

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