The
visit to this Sri Karukathamman Temple at Mamallapuram, close to Valayankuttai
and Pidari Rathas, was a Part of Mamallapuram Heritage Visit under the title
“Known Mamallapuram, Unknown places - தெரிந்த மாமல்லபுரம், தெரியாத இடங்கள்” organized by Sastra & Chithiram
Pesuthada Groups.
Moolavar
: Sri Karkathamman
Some
of the salient features of this temple are….
The
temple faces east with Simha Vahana,
balipeedam, and Trishul under the mandapam. Dwarapalakis are at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. Amman is in Sitting posture with abhaya varada hastam.
Images of Amman’s various forms are in the koshtam.
In
Praharam, Selva Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Nagars, Thulabaram, and Navagrahas, on a round lotus pedestal.
ARCHITECTURE
The
temple consists of a sanctum sanctorum and an open maha mandapam. The sanctum
sanctorum is on an upanam, about 3 feet high on the floor, and constructed with
Stone up to prastaram. A 3-tier Salakara stucco Vimanam is on the sanctum
sanctorum with 5 Kalasas. Stucco images of Amman’s Various forms are on the
Vimanam.
Stucco
images of Karukathamman, Ardhanareeswarar, Vinayagaar, Valli Devasena
Subramaniar, Mahavishnu as Ananda Sayanar, Amman’s various avatars like Kali, Mahishamardini etc, are on the
hara ( Parapet wall ) of the mandapam. Two stone elephants are in the mandapam.
The Pillars are constructed as per the Pallava style.
HISTORY AND
INSCRIPTIONS
It
is believed the temple is 300 to 400 years old and the present structure may
belong to 150 to 200 years.
LEGENDS
It
is believed that Amman will save the fetus from the mother’s womb till the safe
delivery. Hence this temple is treated
on par with the Thirukarugavur Sri Garbarakshambigai Temple Near Kumbakonam. A
ritual is followed at the temple with lemon for 3 consecutive Pournami days.
The lemon is given to a Childless woman as a Prasad.
Devotees
will do the Thulabaram after their wishes are fulfilled. ie, offering, equal
to the weight of baby, Mother & Baby, etc, to the temple. Some Devotees will do the circumambulation of
the sanctum sanctorum with the neem leaves dressed as a prayer. There are many
stories that this Karukathamman had done miracles to Childless women.
Since
the temple is on the periphery limit of Mamallapuram, it is believed that this
Sri Karukathamman also called Ellai Pidari, Kaval Deivam will save from Natural calamity, diseases, evil spirits, etc,.
It is further believed that Amman will be
calm for 6 months and furious look for 6 months.
POOJAS AND
CELEBRATIONS
Apart
from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Fridays, Pournami ( Full
moon days ), Amavasya ( New moon days ) days, Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri ( a
10 days festival ) and annual celebration in Aadi month.
TEMPLE TIMINGS
The
temple will be kept open between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to
20.00 hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS
Treasurer
+919444244813, Secretary +919841950260, and Grama Nattar +91 9840742826 may be
contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH
The
temple is on the north end of Mamallapuram, a UNESCO Heritage site near
Valayankuttai Ratham and Pidari Rathas.
The
temple is about 500 Meters from Mamallapuram Bus Stand, 15.6 KM from
Thiruporur, 23 KM from Kelambakkam, 28 KM from Chengalpattu, 48 KM from
Tambaram and 56 KM from Chennai Central.
Nearest
Railway station is Chengalpattu.
LOCATION OF THE
TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA
---
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