The Maariamman Temple at Samayapuram in the vicinity
of Tiruchirappalli (see below), is one of the
well visited shrines in Tamilnadu, dedicated to Maariamman, a manifestation of the
primeval energy Shakti as the mother Goddess.
Maariamman: Local variations of the
worship of Shakti, the mother Goddess are seen throughout the Indian subcontinent.
Mariamman is a form of Shakti worshipped in Tamilnadu, and is associated with prosperity
and health. Local beliefs associate this deity with cures for diseases such as small pox
and chicken pox.
Legend has it that Shiva created
Kali, out of the poison that he had swallowed, and decreed that he kill Daarukaasuran.
Having originated from the Kaalakoota poison, she assumed the name Kaali. Mariamman is
believed to be a form of Kaali, and is also known as Mahamaayi or Seethala Gowri.
Legends surrounding Samayapuram:
Dasaratha, father of Rama is said to have worshipped here. It is believed that the
processional image of Mariamman was in the possession of the Vijayanagar monarchs and that
as their empire neared destruction, this image was brought down to Tamilnadu in an ivory
palanquin. It is believed that the palanquin bearers placed image on the ground and paused
for rest, and then found themselves to be unable to lift it off the ground. A temple was
then established in the vicinity of Tiruchirappalli, which was later expanded by
Vijayaranga Chokkanatha Nayak of Madurai of the 18th century.
Samayapuram was a local capital of the Vijayanagar
rulers in the vicinity of Tiruchirappalli, and was known as Vikramapuram.
The Temple: This temple has separate
shrines for the processional image of Mariamman and the moolavar in the sanctum. There is
also a shrine to Karuppannasaami a local deity.
Festivals: : Several worship services
are offered throughout the day here. Offerings of salt, jaggery (brown sugar), lentils,
jewelry are made by devotees. Annual festivals are celebrated during Thai Poosam, and in
the tamil months of Pankuni and Chittirai. The last Sunday of Pankuni marks the
commencement of the festival, while the chariot festival is celebrated on the first
Tuesday in the month of Chittirai, and the float festival is celebrated a week later.
See also:
Srirangam
Jambukeswaram
Tiruppainneeli
Vayalur
Viraalimalai
Tiruchirappalli
Uraiyur
Tirukkozhi
