Sri Ambayiramman Temple, at Periyeri and Nisumbsuthani / Nisumbasoothani & & Kali temple, Aragalur, Salem District, Tamil Nadu.

02^nd June 2019.

In 13^th Century a regional King Vanakovaraiyan, under the Chozha King Kulothunga-III ( 1178 – 1218 CE ), ruled this area around Aragalur and calling himself as a King of Magathai Dynasty.  As per the history Vanakovaraiyan also responsible for the downfall of Chozha dynasty. During his rule he established his capital similar to Chozha’s capital, Gangai Konda Chozhapuram.

Temples, Buddha Vihars, Jinalayas were built around the Capital City of Aragalur. He worshiped Kali and Nisumbasuthani, like Chozhas. Before starting of any war he used to sacrifice buffaloes to Nisumbasuthani of this Ambaayiramman Temple. The record says that one time 1000 buffaloes were sacrificed. It was learnt that even 100 years before the practice was followed on festival day.

KALI AND NISUMBASUTHANI AT ARAGALUR.

This temple is on the banks of river  Vashista. There is temple like structure. Both Kali and Nisumbasoothani are open to sky under the tree. Nisumbasuthani. She is sitting in Rajaleelasana and the left leg is resting on the demons head. The 8 hands are holding various weapons. The hair is in the form of jwala makuda and wears pretha kundalam on the ears. One of the left hand which hold trishul found broken. She wears ornaments on her neck and ankles.  

The Kali is with 8 hands in rajaleelasana sitting posture. The right leg is on the head of the demon. The hands are holding various weapons & articles  including, Damru, soolam, kabalam. The hand hold the soolam found broken. Head is shown with Jwala mudi and wears palm leaf rolls on the ears. The face expression is ferocious and tongue is protruding out side ( damaged ).

SRI AMBAAYIRAMMAN TEMPLE AT PERIYERI.

The temple is on the banks of River Vashishta and facing north with a sanctum and artha mandapam. The presiding deity is Sri Nisumbasoothani, a war deity of Chozhas. The same practice was followed by Vanakovaraiyan also.  Out side the sanctum sanctorum lot of Stucco images of men, woman, Muniappan, Nadukarkal, Hero Stones, Navakanda Statues etc,. The devotees offered  all these images for the fulfilling of their wishes.

LEGEND: As per the legend the demon Mahishasura with buffalo head, captured the Indraloka and driven out all the Devas. Brahma and other devas created the Adhi Sakthi. She shoots an arrow which turned into 1000 arrows ( ambu means arrow and  aayiram mean 1000 in Tamil  ) and killed Mahishasura. Hence Adhi Sakthi is being called as Ambaayiramman.  It has become a practice that during festivals buffaloes are sacrificed to Ambaayiramman.

--OM SHIVAYA NAMA---