Kaanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple

The Kamakshi Amman Temple, also known as Kamakoti Nayaki Kovil, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Kamakshi, an aspect of Adi Parashakti in Shaktism, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. Believed to have been founded between the 5th and 8th centuries by the Pallava kings and later developed by the Cholas in the 14th century, it is a significant center of Shaktism. The temple complex spans 5 acres and features the main shrine of Kamakshi alongside shrines for Vishnu as Varaha, Saraswati, and Adi Shankara. It is renowned for its association with the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham and the annual processions of Utsava Kamakshi. Maintained by the Tamil Nadu government, the temple embodies rich architectural and religious heritage, making it a revered pilgrimage site in South India.

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

The Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva), has ancient origins linked to Pandyan Emperor Sadayavarman Kulasekaran I (1190-1205 CE). Initially constructed with notable features like the three-storeyed Gopuram and shrines for various deities, the temple suffered damage in the 14th century by Delhi Sultanate forces. Reconstruction efforts began under the Vijayanagara Empire and continued through the Nayak rulers, expanding the complex with 14 towering Gopurams and pillared halls like Aayirankaal. Vishnu is also venerated here, reflecting the temple’s inclusive traditions. The annual Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival attracts millions, highlighting its cultural and religious significance. Adjudged the best ‘Swachh Iconic Place’ in India, the temple remains a vital pilgrimage site and a cultural beacon in Madurai.

Kasi Visalakshi Amman Temple

The Vishalakshi Temple, also known as Vishalakshi Gauri Temple, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Vishalakshi, an aspect of Parvati/Gauri, located on the banks of the Ganges at Mir Ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is considered a significant Shakti Pitha, where the earrings or face of the goddess Sati are said to have fallen. The temple is renowned for its annual festival on Kajali Tij during the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. Vishalakshi is praised in Hindu scriptures like the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana, embodying grace and beauty as described in elaborate detail. The temple forms an essential part of Varanasi’s sacred geography, symbolizing Shastanga yoga alongside other key temples like Vishwanath Temple and Kala Bhairava Temple.

Samayapuram Mariamman Temple

The Arulmigu Sri Mariamman Temple in Samayapuram, Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Samayapuram Mariamman, a form of Adi Parashakti and Mariamman. Unlike traditional stone idols, the main deity here is made of sand and clay mixed with medicinal herbs, believed to possess great power. Devotees offer mavilakku, a sweet dish, and raw salt with neem leaves as offerings.

The temple, known for its wealth and popular pilgrimage status, sees a large influx of devotees on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, considered auspicious days for Mariamman worship. It ranks among Tamil Nadu’s wealthiest temples after Palani.

Historically, the temple’s origins are somewhat unclear, with its present form attributed to King Vijayaraya Chakravarti II in the early 18th century. Legends suggest the deity was originally housed at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam but was relocated due to perceived adverse effects on Ranganathar. This temple’s establishment is linked to Vijayanagar kings who pledged to build it after military victories in the region.

The temple continues to be a center of devotion and ritualistic worship, drawing devotees seeking blessings and healing from Samayapuram Mariamman.

Kolavizhi Amman Temple

The ancient temple of Goddess Kolavizhi Amman holds a special significance in Mylapore, Chennai. The main entrance, marked by a modern arch, faces north and leads into a spacious circumambulatory area (prakaram) adorned with a large mandapam. Within this prakaram, close to the mandapam, are significant features such as the trident (trishulam), sacrificial altar (bali-pitham), and a small mandapam for the lion (simha), which serves as the vehicle (vahana) of Goddess Kolavizhi Amman.

The central sanctum houses a stucco image of Bhadrakali, depicted with eight arms holding symbolic attributes like the demon’s head, kettle-drum, knife, trident, shield, elephant-goad, bell, and skull-bowl. Bhadrakali is seated on a pedestal with one leg placed upon it and the other stepping on a demon. Adjacent to Bhadrakali is a stone image of Kolavizhi Amman.

According to tradition, Adi Sankara subdued the fierce nature of Bhadrakali by consecrating an image of Kolavizhi Amman in this temple. While Bhadrakali remains unanointed (abhisekam is not performed due to her stucco nature), Kolavizhi Amman is worshipped with rituals including abhisekam. The temple also features processional images of Kolavizhi Amman, Kali, and Siva-Parvati.

Several festivals are celebrated at the temple, including the Grama Devata Thiruvizha in the Tamil month of Panguni and the Brahmotsavam at the nearby Kapaleeshwarar temple, where Kolavizhi Amman leads the procession before other deities.

The sacred trees (sthalavriksham) of the temple are intertwined pipal and neem trees, contributing to the temple’s serene environment and spiritual significance.

Mundaka Kanni Amman Temple

The Mundaka Kanni Amman Temple, located in Mylapore, Chennai, India, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Mariamman. Historically known for its association with animal sacrifices (though this needs citation), the temple remains a significant shrine for Mariamman worship.

Situated near the Mundakanniamman Koil railway station on the Chennai MRTS line, the temple features a three-tiered gopura facing east. Inside, sacred Ficus religiosa trees are revered, along with depictions of Vinayaka (Ganesha) and Nāgas (serpent deities).

The presiding deity, Mundakanniamman, is considered an avatar of Renukadevi and is also recognized among the Saptakannis, a group of seven sisters revered in Hindu mythology.

Vettudaiyal kali Temple

Kollangudi is a small village which is located on the Madurai – Thondi National Highway close to Kalaiyaar Kovil. This Temple is supposed to have been built in the 18th Century and is located admist a paddy field. The Presiding Deity is Vettudayar Kaali Amman. It is believed that Queen Velu Nachiyar hid here in this place when escaping from the Britishers. That time a small girl called Udayal saved Queen Velu Nachiyar and did not reveal the truth to the British soliders. Hence the small girl Udayal was maimed and cut to pieces by the savage British soliders. She lost her life but saved her Queen Velu Nachiyar from the evil hands of the British Rulers. Hence this Temple was built in remembrance of the small girl Udayal and named after Vettudayar Kaliamman.

In recent days a Welcome Arch has been erected and leading to the Temple. There is a huge metallic Dwajasthambam facing the Sanctum Sanctorum. There are Sub Shrines for Vinayakar and Murugan. There is a Shrine for Ayyanar and His Consorts Poorna and Pushkala. This Temple underwent several changes at several points of time. A huge tinned roofing has come up now where Annadhanam is done regularly on all important days. The Temple has a huge Sacred Tank or Pushkarani which is known as Kollangudi Kaali Theertham and several Devotees make it a habit to have a holy dip here since it is believed to get rid of their past sins. The Sthala Viruksham is a Eacha Maram. There is a firm belief in and around this place that the Presiding Deity is merciless and ruthless when it comes to punishing the evil and sinners. Therefore many local Devotees and also few others from distant places visit this Temple and offer money and Pray to Her to punish the evil who had cheated them. Panguni festival and Aadi Perukku are celebrated in a grand manner attracting lots of Devotees.

Vakrakaliamman Temple Thiruvakkarai

The Demon Vakrasuran had been killed by an avatar of Lord Vishnu, Varadaraja Perumal. Vakrasuran’s sister Demoness Tunmuki was destroyed by the Goddess Vakrakaliamman. During the annihilation, the Demoness Tunmuki was pregnant and killing a child is not allowed in Dharma Shastra. Hence, the Goddess Vakrakaliamman held fetus in Tunmuki’s womb as a kundalini in her right ear and destroyed her. As the Goddess annihilated the Demon Vakrasuran’s sister Tunmuki, she raised there as Thiruvakkarai Vakrakaliamman.

Even after the annihilation, the Goddess was in anger. Adi Shankara came and calmed Kali. He consecrated the Sri Chakra on her left foot. As the Goddess Vakrakaliamman is the Goddess of the Navagrahas Rahu and Kedhu

Thiruvaachur Madhura Kaliamman Temple

The Sri Madhura Kaliamman Temple in Siruvachur, Perambalur District, is dedicated to Goddess Kali and holds significant historical and cultural importance:

The temple’s origin is associated with Kannagi, the central figure of the Tamil epic Silappatikaram. After Kannagi’s tragic story in Madurai, she found solace in Siruvachur, where she encountered Chelliamman, a local deity. Chelliamman’s powers were misused by a tantrik, and Kannagi intervened, defeating the tantrik and restoring peace. In gratitude, Chelliamman moved to a nearby hillock, inviting Kannagi, now known as Madura Kaliamman, to stay in Siruvachur. This event transformed Chelliamman into Madura Kaliamman, marking the temple’s foundation about a millennium ago.

Bannari Mariamman Temple

The Arulmigu Sri Bannari Mariamman Temple, located near Sathyamangalam in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Goddess Bannari, an avatar of Goddess Shakti known as the goddess of rain. Here are some key aspects of the temple:

Legend has it that Bannari originated from a historical incident involving a couple from the Vannar community. During a visit to wash clothes by a river near a hill, the woman, pregnant at the time, went into labor. With only a sari available, the husband assisted in childbirth, resulting in the birth of twin girls. One child was taken by the husband, while the other, who continued crying, was placed in a nearby trough. When they returned, they found the child still crying and noticed marks on the mother’s chest. The goddess then reportedly transformed into a girl child, and instructed through a dream to hold a festival where her idol would be found in a neem tree. This idol remains revered in the temple to this day.

Melmalayanur Angalamman

Angala Parameswari Temple is the Sembadavars. There is an ancient snake pit in the inner sanctum. A festival celebrated here during February-March is famous for Simimasana kollai. During the festival many pilgrims cook large quantities of various kinds of grain and set it out in the burning ground. This offering to the goddess is believed to grant wishes. Lots of devotees throng to the temple during Ammavasai (New Moon day).

Goddess Mother Parvathi the wife of Lord Shiva took birt on her as hive. The pupose of the birth is to clear Lord Shiva from cetain sin and give blessings to all people in kaliyug. The birth took place her before the start of kaliyug. The birth place melmaliyanoor,where the temple is situated. The specialty in this temple is Mother in Angala amman faces north while blessing devotees.

The great dazzling brightest light is mother Sri Angalaparameshwari was ruling the world even before inhabition started.

Mother parvathy only created Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Maheswaran and Sadhasivan for creation, Maintenance, distination, hiding and blessing.

Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma are supported to be three hands of Gods. All of sorts of energies were differentiated mainly as three types, Wish, action and Wisdom. Right Side is taken as male and left as female. When both sides confine together resulted in creation of Sky, Water, Fire Wind and Earth. Siva, Vishnu and Brahma were teamed with Eswari, Lakshmi and Sarswathi.

Brahma, the God for creation had 10 assistants to help in his activities. Thakkan the important assitant crore of living including saint. He also created 60 extremly beautful girls and married them to Godmen. In this process Eswari’s creator, He created Dhakshayani and married here to Lord Shiva.

When Takkan went to kailash, He was stopped bygod one of Shiva’s deputies. Angered by this takkan performs difficult yagams with selfish maotives. He did not invite Lord shirine. Dhakshyani went to yaga in sprite of Lors Shiva’s unwillingness. She accused thakkan for inviting Lord Shiva. But she was only insulted completely dissatisfied, Dhakshayani saw yaga was destroyed.

Dhakshayani destroyed her own body. Lord Shiva took her body and devised with uncontrollable anger (Rudhrathandavam). During this, the right hand of Dhakshayani fell in Dhandakarunyam. Malayanoor is a part of Dhandakarunyam.

Aroop(shapless) Angalaamman to join with Lord Shiva took Birth as Parvathi, the Daughter of parvatharajan. She married Lord Shiva.

With power of manthras and boons from Lord Shiva, Brahama performed a yaga to save god men from two demons known as SANDOBI and SUNDARAR. Thro this yaga thilothama as apsaras came to life.

Attracted by the beauthy of thilothama not only demons but brahma also follwed her. For her protection She went to kailash where Brahma also follwed. As Brahma also was with five heads, Parvathi mistook him for Shiva and felt at his feet. When Parvathi realized the truth, she was very angry and prayed Shiva that fifth head of Brahma should be destroyed.

Shri Masani Amman

According to local tradition, during ancient times, Anaimalai was known as Nannur and the region was ruled by Nannuran, a wicked king who persecuted his subjects. He protected the fruits of his mango grove by instituting severe punishments for any who ate of them. One day, a woman unfamiliar with these measures ate one of Nannuran’s mangoes, so he sentenced her to death. Despite public outcry against it, the woman was executed, and later Nannuran was killed by the villagers in a battle near Vijayamangalam. People believed that the woman had saved their lives by sacrificing herself and the people built a shrine to the executed woman and deified her.

The stone where she was executed was later worshipped with ground red chillies as an offering. Its deity was originally called either “Masani” (meaning “mango” in old Tamil)[citation needed] or “Smashani” (Sanskrit for “graveyard”, about the woman’s untimely end),  depending on the version of the legend. Later, the deity came to be known as Masani Amman. Masani Amman was later syncretised with the goddess Adi Parashakti. She was later associated with the goddesses Mariamman, Angala Devi, Isakki and Karumari.

Vadivudai Amman Temple

The Vadivudai Amman Temple, located in Thiruvottriyur near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is a renowned temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, worshiped here as Vadivudai Amman. This ancient temple is part of the larger Thyagaraja Swamy Temple complex, where Lord Shiva is also worshiped as Adipureeswarar. The temple has a rich history dating back over a thousand years and was primarily developed during the Chola dynasty, with significant contributions from later dynasties like the Pandyas and Vijayanagara Empire.

The temple’s Dravidian architecture is characterized by its grand gopuram (gateway tower), stone carvings, and detailed sculptures that adorn the walls. Vadivudai Amman, meaning “Goddess of Beauty,” is celebrated as a powerful deity who grants blessings for health, prosperity, and wisdom. Devotees believe that offering prayers to Vadivudai Amman can bring inner strength and courage.

One of the major festivals celebrated here is the Panguni Uthiram, which draws thousands of devotees each year. This temple remains a significant spiritual center for devotees of the goddess and is part of Chennai’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

Kadivudai Amman Temple

The Kadivudai Amman Temple, located in the town of Kathiramangalam near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, worshiped as Kadivudai Amman. Known for her fierce protective form, Kadivudai Amman is revered as a powerful deity who wards off evil, cures ailments, and grants blessings of prosperity and strength to her devotees. This temple is part of the Nava (Nine) Shakti temples, each dedicated to a unique form of the Goddess.

The temple’s origins date back to the Chola period, with notable contributions and renovations by later dynasties, reflecting traditional Dravidian architecture. The main sanctum houses an idol of the goddess adorned with vibrant attire and jewelry, emphasizing her divine, fierce nature. Festivals like Aadi Pooram are celebrated with great enthusiasm here, attracting many pilgrims who seek the goddess’s blessings.

Kadivudai Amman Temple is renowned for its powerful spiritual presence, making it a cherished site for local devotees and part of Tamil Nadu’s extensive temple heritage.

Idaivudai Amman Temple

The Idaivudai Amman Temple is located in the village of Idaivudai in Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, worshiped as Idaivudai Amman, where “Idai” means “middle” or “central,” symbolizing the goddess’s central role in the welfare and protection of her devotees. The temple has strong religious and spiritual significance in the region, particularly for those seeking protection and blessings related to family, health, and prosperity.

The temple’s architecture follows traditional Dravidian styles, with a simple yet serene sanctum where the goddess’s idol is placed. Devotees often visit to seek blessings for well-being and to overcome personal struggles. The temple is also known for its annual festivals, which attract a large number of devotees, especially during specific days linked to the goddess’s worship.

While it is lesser-known compared to some of the larger temples in Tamil Nadu, the Idaivudai Amman Temple holds an important place in the hearts of the local community and those who believe in the goddess’s powers of protection and grace.

Kaalikaambal Amman Temple

The Kaalikaambal Amman Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in the heart of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Goddess Kaalikaambal, a powerful form of Goddess Parvati. The temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples in the city, with its history dating back several centuries. It is believed to have been originally constructed during the Chola dynasty, around the 14th century, and has undergone various expansions and renovations over time.

Goddess Kaalikaambal is worshiped as a fierce, protective, and compassionate deity, known to grant blessings for the removal of obstacles, protection from evil forces, and prosperity. The temple is especially famous for its spiritual energy and vibrant atmosphere, drawing devotees from all over.

Architecturally, the Kaalikaambal Temple is built in the traditional Dravidian style, with intricate carvings, large gopurams (gateway towers), and a sanctum where the idol of Kaalikaambal is enshrined. The deity is depicted in a powerful form, symbolizing strength and protection. One of the highlights of the temple is its association with the nearby Kapaleeshwarar Temple, as both are integral parts of the Mylapore region’s religious and cultural identity.

The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, with the most significant being the annual Kaalikaambal Thirukalyanam (wedding ceremony), which attracts thousands of devotees. The temple’s proximity to Chennai’s bustling city center also makes it a significant cultural and historical landmark.

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