Uthukadu Ellaiyamman Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Uthukadu Ellaiyamman Temple, Uthukadu, Kanchipuram District, Tamilnadu – 631605.

Deity

Amman: Ellaiyamman

Introduction

• Ellaiyamman Temple is located in Uthukadu, a small village in the Walajabad Panchayat Union, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.
• Main deity: Goddess Ellaiyamman.
• The temple was established in 1608.
• Uthukadu is located 4.5 km from Walajabad, 19.7 km from Kanchipuram, and 67.7 km from Chennai.
• Devotees believe that worshiping Ellaiyamman brings prosperity.

Puranic Significance

• The legend connects the temple with King Krishnadevaraya, who came hunting in the area (then called Utrukadu).
• After becoming tired, the king and his dog, Bairavar, found a spring of fresh water.
• The king discovered a lemon and a 2.5-foot tall icon of the goddess in the spring.
• Nagal Naidu, the head of the king’s army, established the temple.
• Due to the goddess’s “ugram” (fierce) nature, her main idol was shifted to the right side of the garbhagriham (sanctum).
• The temple’s Brahmotsavam is celebrated grandly for ten days in the Tamil month of Chithirai.
• The sacred tree of the temple is Vanni Maram.
• The goddess is also worshiped as the Kula Deivam (family deity) by many people from the Saurashatra community.

Special Features

• According to a dream the king had, permanent pujas were introduced in the temple, and three daily pujas are still performed today.
• Goddess Ellaiyamman is depicted with four arms and a peaceful demeanor, believed to cure diseases and grant immediate boons.
• Inside the temple are shrines dedicated to Varahi, Maheshwari, Durga, Anjaneyar, Vishnu, Kalabhairava, Shiva, Parvati, and Vinayaka.
• There is also a Navagraha shrine.
• Devotees offer Pongal without salt to the goddess during the Tamil months of Chithirai and Aadi, believed to relieve health issues like blood pressure and heart problems.
• The temple attracts visitors from all over Tamil Nadu, especially during the Aadi month, as devotees seek blessings and relief from their problems.

Century/Period/Age

1608

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Utrukadu

Nearest Railway Station

Walajabad

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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