Thozhuthur Nalla Mariamman Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Thozhuthur Nalla Mariamman Temple, Thozhuthur Thiruvarur District – 612 804, Mobile: +91 – 94443 54461 / 94437 45732

Diety

Amman: Mariyamman

Introduction

Nalla Mariamman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariyamman located at Thozhuthur Village in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. The temple is under the administration of Hindu Religious and Endowment Charities department of Tamilnadu. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Alathambadi, 24 Kms from Thiruvarur, 12 Kms from Thiruthuraipoondi and 126 Kms from Trichy

Puranic Significance

Renukadevi, wife of Jamadagni Rishi, with the power of her chastity made pots with the sand in the river bank and was fetching water for puja in the Ashram. Once, she saw the reflection of a handsome Gandharva travelling in the sky on his horse and wondered at his beauty. The very thought and appreciation of the handsomeness of the Gandharva had its impact on her power that the pot was broken and she had to return to the Ashram without water. Muni Jamadagni understood the reason. He suspected her fidelity and asked his son Parasurama to chop off his mother’s head. Son Parasurama obeyed, but could not bear the grief. Jamadagni told Parasurama that he was pleased with his obedience while his brothers refused his order and offered a boon. Parasurama wanted his mother back which the Rishi obliged but left his wife. However, as she was bringing him water for his pujas, he said that she, in the name of Mariamman would continue the service to people offering pure water. Mari in Tamil means rain. As Renukadevi was making pots, the potter-Vellala community people worship her as their community deity in Thozhuthur.

Beliefs

Removal of obstacles in marriage efforts, child boon and higher education are the prayers submitted to the deity. Those suffering from eye troubles spoiling their appearance pray to the deity here. Treatment is offered through a flower known as Nandiavattai. Devotees offer Mavilakku (lighting a lamp made of rice flour and jaggery with ghee) and also bore the cheeks known as Alagu Kuthal.

Special Features

The Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariyamman. There are also guardian deities in the temple as Kazhuvudayan with his consorts, Periyachi, Muniswarar, Bommi, Maduraiveeran with Vellayammal, Kathavarayan, Karuppazhagi, Aryamala and Thotiyathu Chinnan.