Padalathri Sri Seeyathamman Temple / Arulmigu Padalathri Seathamman Temple / பாடலாத்திரி ஸ்ரீ சீயாத்தம்மன் கோயில், அக்ரகாரம், கொரட்டூர்/ Agaraharam, Korattur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Padalathri Seeyathamman Temple on the banks of Korattur Lake at Agraharam, a part of Korattur was a part of Shiva, Vishnu, and Amman Temples Visit at Padi, Korattur and Madhavaram on 06^th February 2022. There are many Pallava / Chozha period Shiva Lingas unearthed during recent times from Padi to Korattur. This visit was aimed at seeing such old Shiva Temples / Shiva Lingas. After Ekantha Lingeswarar Darshan, the Gurukkal directed to this temple and said this temple is more than 1000 years old.

 

Main Deity: Sri Seeyathamman

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

This temple is facing east with a Kodimaram balipeedam and Elephant vahana. Painting of Saptamatrikas are in the ardha mandapam Ceiling. Actually, this temple is dedicated to Saptamatrikas. Stucco image Seeyathamman is installed at the center of the Saptamatrikas. A Mahameru is at the feet of Amman. Vinayagar and Sari Valli Devasena Subramaniar is at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. Navagrahas are in the mukha mandapam. Nagars and Vinayagar are under the banyan tree on the back side of the temple. Annanmar bas relief panel is also in the Praharam.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of a rectangular sanctum Sanctorum, ardha mandapam, and a mandapam. The mandapam is covering the entire praharam. A two-tier Gopuram is above the sanctum sanctorum. Stucco images of Saptamatrikas are on the Gopuram. The Mandapam is under construction with stucco images of Amman on the Parapet wall of the Mandapam.

HISTORY & INSCRIPTION

Since the temple is dedicated to Saptamatrikas, Saptamatrikas worship was very popular during the 8^th to 9^th Century Pallava Period. Amman was called different names like Selliamman, Sei Katha Amman, Seeyathamman, etc,. So the sthala purana is also associated with the Rajasimha Pallavan.

As per the sthala purana during the Narasimha Pallavan period, Chalukya King Pulikasi declared war against Narasimha Pallava. The war prolonged for many days near this place. At one stage, Narasimha Pallava lost his hope of winning over Chalukyas. With a sorrowful mood, he went to sleep.

In his dream, he happened to see that Maharishis were doing homam and penance at this place. They were disturbed by the Asuras. So the Munivars sought help from Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva in turn requested Ma Parvati to take care of their request. Ma Parvati came to this place and did a penance on Lord Shiva for many years chanting Om Namasivaya. At one stage She was completely covered by Ant Hill, but the chanting never stopped. The Asuras destroyed the ant hill where the mantra emanates. Ma Parvati came out with anger and killed all the Asuras. On hearing all asuras were killed by Ma Parvati, the leader Araki, who was pregnant at that time came to fight with Ma Parvati. Ma Parvati also killed the Arakki tearing her stomach. Ma Parvati wears Arakki’s baby ( sei ) as a Kundala. Hence Amman is called Sei Katha Amman.

Suddenly the Pallava king Narasimha woke up and Prayed to Ma Parvati as Sei Katha Amman to save him too, considering him as one of her Sei ( Baby ). With the blessings of Seikathamman, Chalukya King Pulikesi was defeated. As a part of thanksgiving, the Pallava King constructed this Temple. When Seeyathamman was ferocious, to make her calm, Vinayagar came in front of Ma Parvati in the form of an Elephant. Her anger slowly reduces and becomes calm/Shanthi and blesses her devotees.

It is also believed that Thirugnanasambandar also visited this place and worshiped Seeyaththamman. In remembrance of his footwear/pathakoradu markings, this place was called Korattur and Munivars, Maharishis lived here, and this place was also called Agraharam.

 

LEGENDS

The Villagers of the 7 Villages between Korattur and Sengundram /  Red Hills ( The Seven Villages are Sengundram, Madhanangkuppam, Soorapedu, Kachanangkuppam, Kallikuppam, Thathangkuppam and Korattur ) worships this Seeyathamman as Their Kula Deivam. Since Sengundram is close to this temple, Amman is called Padalathri ( Padalathri – Red Hill ). Devotees Prays Amman for removing marriage obstacles and Child boon. Devotees celebrate their children's ear boring and first tonsuring ceremonies.

One of the Thanksgiving is, that devotees do the piercing of alaku/ spears on the month, Chest, and muthuku / back of the body and will come to the temple to circumambulate the prakaram. They will be done with milk abhishekam, tender coconut abhishekam, Turmeric abhishekam etc. Finally, 30 Kg Chilli powder will be mixed with water and abhishekam will be done. The devotees do not feel any irritation is a miracle of this temple.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from Regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Sundays, and Fridays, All Fridays in Aadi month, the Annual festival in Aadi month, Amavasya ( New Moon day ), Pournami ( Full Moon day ), etc,. It was told that, during the annual festival Temple car will be taken in procession to all the seven Villages in earlier days. Due to various reasons, this was made short, ie the procession will be taken in the Village streets itself.

CONTACT DETAILS

Since the Mandapam is under construction Trustees may be contacted for donations and other details. The Trustee's mobile numbers are + 91 8825896198, +91 9840094160, and +91 9940226450.

HOW TO REACH

This Seeyathamman Temple is in Agraharam a part of Korattur and about 300 meters from Sri Ekantha Lingeswarar Temple.

The temple is about 2.5 KM from Korattur Railway Station, 5 KM from Thiruvalithayam Shiva Temple, 9.5 KM from Koyambedu bus terminus, and 14.5 KM from Chennai Central Station.

Nearest railway Station is Korattur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---