Tiruvappur Sri Muthumari Amman Temple, Pudukkottai.

Address

Tiruvappur Sri MuthuMariAmman Temple, Pudukkottai.

Kalayanpuram, Pudukkottai district,

Tamil Nadu 622005

Amman

Muthu Mari Amman

Introduction

Muthumariamman Temple is situated at Tiruvappur in Thirukokarnam, at a distance of 5 kilometers from Pudukkottai in Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity, Muthumariamman, is found in sitting posture. The temple has front mandapa followed by Dwajasthambam, bali peetam and sanctum sanctorum. In the prakara, Meenakshi of Madurai and Kamatchi of Kanchipuram are found. Aadi (July –August) Fridays are famous in this temple.

Puranic Significance

300 years ago, a priest, while possessed by a divine power predicted a location where Mother Muthu Mari was under the ground. She was taken out from the ground and installed for worship. It was the time, when Pudukkottai was an independent Samasthan and was noted for its glory then. The Samasthan minted Amman Kasu – coins with Amman symbol. The son of the king was affected with small pox and reached a critical condition threatening his life. The king pleaded with Amman to save his son. But as fate had it, his son died. The frustrated king ordered removal of Amman from the original place. When the idol was taken to a different place, people from Tiruvappur blocked the way, pleaded with king’s men and installed her in a safe place here. (This place is now known as Kattu Mari Amman Koil). Mother Mari Amman appeared in the dream of the king and said that the destiny of his son was to part with him and that he was then her son. The king realized the power of fate and ordered re-installation of Mother in the original place.

Beliefs

Devotees vary with different wishes, seeking wedding, child, job, health and solution for family problems etc. A member of the family comes to the temple each day when one is affected with small pox. The remedy comes soon. Mother Mari Annai grants all boons as wished by the devotees. Devotees perform abishek to Mother, offer new sari, lime fruit garlands and pudding – pongal – nivedhana.

Special Features

The Temple is believed to be 600 years old. Mother Muthu Mari was found from the gracious prediction of a priest of the place. Earlier, the temple was annexed with the with Pragambal Tirukokarneswar temple of Tirukokarnam and was under the administration of Pudukkottai Devasthanam. Now, the temple has been taken over by the Hindu Religious & Charities Endowment of the Tamilnadu Government.