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

Address

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

Ramasamy Pillai Nagar,

Thanjavur district,

 Tamil Nadu 613001

Amman

Vadabadrakali, Nisumba Soodhani

Introduction

• Located in Poomal Rauther Koil Street, Keezha Vaasal, Thanjavur city.
• Built by Vijayalaya Chola, the first medieval Chola king, in the 9th century CE.
• Worshipped by all Chola kings, including Emperor Raja Raja Chola.
• The temple is under the HR&CE administration and is maintained by Thanjavur Palace Devasthanam.
• Small temple dedicated to Kali Amman, with no other deities present.

Puranic Significance

• Built by Vijayalaya Chola after his victory over the Pandiyas in the Thirupurampiyam war.
• The temple consists of:
  • Sanctum Sanctorum
  • Ardhamandapa
  • Mahamandapa (a tin-sheet shed).
• The deity, Nisumba Soodhani, is in a sitting posture with two arms holding a trident (Shula) and a demon under her feet.
• Goddess represents the annihilation of the demons Shumba and Nishumba.
• Associated with war victories, the Chola kings worshipped her as the Goddess of Victory.

Beliefs

• Devotees seek:
  • Child boon
  • Removal of obstacles in marriage talks
  • Excellence in education
• Devotees perform abishekam (ritual bathing) with clothing (vastras) offerings.

Special Features

• The deity, Nisumba Soodhani, is also called:
  • Vada Badrakali
  • Ragukaala Kali Amman
• The idol:
  • 6 feet tall
  • Ferocious appearance with a tilted head and furious eyes.
  • Eight hands in the act of killing the demon Nisumban.
• Historically significant:
  • Older than the Tanjore Big Temple.
  • Mentioned in Thiruvalangadu copper plates from the Chola period.
• Four Kaalam Poojas are performed daily.

Festivals

• Chitra Poornima (April-May)
• Aadi Pooram (July-August)
• Vinayaka Chathurthi (August-September)
• Navarathri (September-October)

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/05/vada-bhadra-kali-amman-temple-nisumba.html

Century/Period

9th century CE.

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thanjavur old bus stop

Nearest Railway Station

Thanjavur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple