Ayyanar at Enathirimangalam and Saptamatrikas as Kaliamman at Pathur / Padur, Viluppuram District, Tamil Nadu.

02^nd September 2018

AYYANAR - ENATHIRIMANGALAM

During my recent visit to this small village, Enathirimangalam, I happened to see this Ayyanar Temple on the banks of the river Thenpennai. This Ayyanar is with his consorts, Poorna and Pushkala. Looks very old, and as per the experts, this Ayyanar may belong to the 10^th century or before. His vahana, an elephant with a balipeedam, is in front of the temple. The sanctum sanctorum is a simple structure with a zinc sheet front mandapa facing east. The Ayyanar is in worship.  This temple is under palalayam, and the construction of a new temple is in process.

KALI AMMAN TEMPLE WITH SAPTAMATRIKAS – AT PATHUR.

This Kali temple was constructed in recent years. In the sanctum, it was surprising to see the Saptamatrikas installed in a row. Kaliamman / Chamundi (?)is at the center with a ferocious look. Vinayagar is on the north wall, and Murugan / Virabhadra (?) is on the left. The Saptamatrikas are not kept in order but kept on a high shelf. Also, the names written are funny. In front of the temple, an Elephant vahana with balipeedam. Even though the temple is called Kali Temple, how did this elephant come as Vahana? Experts may comment on this, please. In addition to this, a Tirthankara Statue was unearthed and installed in front of the temple. 

 ---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---