ARULMIGU DEVI KARUMARIAMMAN TEMPLE , THIRUVERKADU

Karumariamman Devi temple is situated in a small town in the outskirts of Chennai called Thiruverkaadu. This is the temple where one can find rush in all the days. The Devi dwelling here is said to be swayambu. The power of the Devi is so strongly concentrated here that devotee could feel the vibrating presence the Devi herself in every part of the temple.

There are separate shrines for Lord Ganesha, Goddess Gowmatha and Ekambareshwar. The main deity is just the head of the Devi Karumari Amman with a snake with five heads hovering around the head. Fire also seems to emanate from the halo of her powerful head. The main gopuram or the tower looks majestic and divine. There is also a tank that contains punniyatheertham.

FACTS/MYTHOLOGY

Lots of myths are involved with this temple and a few are given below: The Devi took the form of an old lady and went to see the Sun God and offered to predict his future. But the Sun God could not identify the Goddess and he rejects her offer. From that day onwards his power stated reducing and the bright light surrounding him started reducing. He realised his mistake and prayed the goddess and got his power back. During the incident, the Sun God requested the Devi to make Sunday an auspicious day for the Amman and she agreed. He also requested the favour of shining over her idol twice a year. Even now there is a place in the roof of the temple fro where the sunshine enters and touches the idol of The Goddess only on two days in a year.

There is also another myth that says that he local people were worshipping an ant hill in this place. The Goddess appeared in front of the devotees and ordered them to build a temple here for her. When the devotees removed the ant hill they found the head of the Amman beneath it and they built the temple around it and hence the main idol is said to be swayambu.

FESTIVALS/EVENTS/GATHERINGS

Barhmorchavam is a very important festival celebrated here that lasts for 19 days in the month of January / February. During these days, every day the Devi Karumari Amman is taken out for procession in various mounts. The final three days marks the theppathiruvizha when the Amman is taken around in the temple tank in theppam (decorated Boat)Thai Posam, Maas Magam, Tamil New Year day, Aadi Thiruvizha, Sashtismaharam and navrathri are the other festivals celebrated in the temple. Regular Pujas are conducted every day as per the agama rules. However special pujas and offerings are performed on Tuesdays and Fridays. Devotees especially females create lamps with lemon and light it with ghee. The temple archagar gives a lemon that is blessed with the Amman to the devotees which has to be placed in their puja rooms in their respective houses. The next week the lemon has to be returned back and a new one will be provided by the Archagar. Devotees continue this process for 9 weeks and get their wishes granted.

Direction from Koyambedu, Chennai