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” organised by Sastra & Chithiram
Pesuthada Groups.
Moolavar
: Sri Karkathamman
Some
of the salient features of this temple are….
The
temple is facing east with Simha Vahana,
balipeedam and Trishul under the mandapam. Dwarapalakis are at the entrance of
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 sanctum sanctorum, and open maha mandapam. The sanctum
sanctorum is on a 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 Pallava style.
HISTORY AND
INSCRIPTIONS
It
is believed the temple is 300 to 400 years old and the present structure may
belongs to 150 to 200 years.
LEGENDS
It
is believed that Amman will save the foetus from 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 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 dress 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 as Ellai Pidari, Kaval Deivam and will save
from Natural calamity, deceases, evil sprits 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 opened 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, 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
---
No comments:
Post a Comment