Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Ponnazhagiamman Temple, O. Siruvayal, Sivaganga

Ponnazhagiamman Temple, O. Siruvayal, Sivaganga
Ponnazhagiamman Temple is located at O. Siruvayal Village in Sivaganga District of Tamilnadu. Presiding deity is called as Ponnazhagiamman. Urchavar is called as Azhagiya Nayagi. Thala Vriksham is Magizham. Theertham is called as Ambal Theertham. Mother Ponnazhagi Ambal is a swayambumurthy. 

Legends
The region was a dense forest in days of yore. When people were digging the ground to take out roots, they found one root bleeding. Shocked people informed the matter to all in the village. They found Ambal as a Swayambumurthy and built this temple.
The Temple
Mother Ponnazhagi Ambal is on a rock in the form of a Linga. Her neck is slightly turned on the right side with weapons in Her 8 hands killing demon Mahishasura. A battle axe cut scar is still visible. Near the flag post is a Vedalam – a spirit – like creature generally soft in nature. Guardian deity Kalluchi Amman is in front of the temple as a small idol. Devotees pray to her with Kumkum archana. 
Sri Anjaneya is generally seen in temples either with an Abhaya Hastha-assuring hand or with Anjalai Hastha-worshipping Lord Rama with palms held together. Anjaneya in this temple is holding the feet of Lord Sri Rama in ‘surrender’ form.  We can see this Hanuman in this form in the Sri Rama-Mother Sita shrine in the prakara.  Devotees offer cosmetic oils to Sri Rama and Mother Sita and Sendhuram – a red powder and sandal to Sri Hanuman.
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Festivals
10 day Chithirai Brahmotsavam is grandly celebrated in the temple in April-May.
Prayers
It is believed that brothers separated due to some problems will be blessed with a happy re-union if they pray here. They also conduct a ritual called adoption in the presence of Mother Ponnazhagi Amman - Thathu Koduthal in Tamil. After this ceremony, they pray to Lord Rama who is an outstanding example of brotherhood for total understanding between brothers and ensuring peace. This ritual is done even for new born babies. 
Vada, a popular dish of Tamilnadu is offered as nivedhana to the deity. Devotees offer silk vastras to Ambal with Sandal abishek for ending delays in marriages. People pray in Sri Ramas’s shrine for freedom from enemy fears and for cultivating traits of humility. Devotees offer silk vastras to Ambal with Sandal abishek.
Contact
Sri Ponnazhagiamman Temple,
O. Siruvayal, Sivaganga District
Phone: +91- 4577 - 264 778
Connectivity
O Siruvayal is 5 km far from Karaikudi. Mini buses are available to reach the temple. Nearest Railway Station is located at Karaikudi and Nearest Airport is located at Madurai.