Vada Bhadra Kali Amman Temple (Nisumba Soodhani Amman Temple), Thanjavur

Address

Ramasamy Pillai Nagar,

Thanjavur district,

Tamil Nadu 613001

Amman

Vadabadrakali, Nisumba Soodhani

Introduction

Vada Bhadra Kali Amman Temple (Nisumba Soodhani Amman Temple is located in Poomal Rauther Koil street in Keezha Vaasal area in Tanjore city. It is believed that the original temple was built by Vijayalaya Chola in the 9th century CE. He was the first medieval Chola. It is also believed that all the Chola kings including the great emperor Raja Raja Chola used to worship this powerful deity. Nisumba Soodhani is also called as Vada Bhadra Kali and Raavukala Kali. The temple is very small. No other deity is found other than Kali Amman. The temple comes under Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) administration and well maintained by Thanjavur Palace Devasthanam. The temple is situated in Poomal Rauther Koil Street in East Gate at Thanjavur.

Puranic Significance

The temple was built by Vijayalaya Chola, once a feudatory of the Pallavas. The temple has the sanctum sanctorum, ardhamandapa and the mahamandapa (temporary tin sheet shed). Kali Amman is in the sitting posture with two arms carrying Shula. She looks very ferocious and has a demon lying under her feet. The gigantic image of the Goddess has her head slightly tilted on her left side.

The idol of Nisumba soodhani, who conquered and annihilated the demons Shumba and Nishumba, was consecrated in Thanjavur. With the grace of the worshipful feet of Nisumba soodhani, the king ruled the earth surrounded by ocean with the ease, as if wearing like a garland. This Temple is popularly known among the local people as “Ragukaala Kali Temple”. Special Pooja’s and Abishekam will be conducted on all Fridays in the month of Aadi and Thai. Four Kaalam Poojas are conducted in this Temple daily. The Mahasamprokshanam also known as Kumbhabhishekham of the temple was held on 23 June 2016.

Beliefs

Devotees seek child boon, removal of obstacles in marriage talks and to achieve excellence in education. Abishek are performed for the Goddess with Vastras –clothing.

Special Features

The presiding deity is Nisumbasuthani. She is also known as Vada Badrakali and Rakukala Kaliamman. She is in sitting posture. According to Thiruvalangadu copper plates during the Chola period this temple was set up. The deity is of 6′ height.

The temple is much older than the great Tanjore big temple. This is built by Vijayalaya Chola after his victory over Pandiyas in Thirupurampiyam war. The deity in this temple is ferocious form of Goddess Durga. She is very powerful with eight hands and in the pose of killing Nisumban (Asura). The furious face and eyes of the deity are remarkable. The Chola kings had a habit of worshipping her before going to the war and they believed Nisumba Soodhani as a goddess of victory. This temple is also called as Vada Badrakaali or Ragukaala Kali Kovil.