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

02^nd June 2019.

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

Temples, Buddha Vihars, and Jinalayas were built around the Capital City of Aragalur. He worshiped Kali and Nisumbasuthani, like Chozhas. Before starting any war he used to sacrifice buffaloes to Nisumbasuthani of this Ambaayiramman Temple. The record says that at 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 the river  Vashista. There is a temple-like structure. Both Kali and Nisumbasoothani are open to the sky under the tree. Nisumbasuthani. She is sitting in Rajaleelasana and the left leg is resting on the demon's 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 hands which holds Trishul found broken. She wears ornaments on her neck and ankles.  

The Kali is with 8 hands in the Rajaleelasana sitting posture. The right leg is on the head of the demon. The hands are holding various weapons & articles including, Damru, soolam, and kabalam. The hand holding the Trishul was found broken. The head is shown with Jwalamudi and wears palm leaf rolls on the ears. The facial expression is ferocious and the tongue is protruding outside (damaged).

SRI AMBAAYIRAMMAN TEMPLE AT PERIYERI.

The temple is on the banks of River Vashishta and faces 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.  Outside the sanctum sanctorum lot of Stucco images of men, women, Muniappan, Nadukarkal, Hero Stones, Navakanda Statues, etc,. The devotees offered all these images for the fulfillment of their wishes.

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

--OM SHIVAYA NAMA---