Thursday, May 11, 2017

Perathu Selvi Amman Temple, Vannarpettai, Thirunelveli

Perathu Selvi Amman Temple, Vannarpettai, Thirunelveli
Perathu Selvi Amman Temple is located at Vannarpettai in Thirunelveli Town in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is four hundred year old Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Thiru Perathu Selvi Amman Kovil in Thirunelveli is located at 8°43'52.6"N 77°43'04.3"E or 8.731291, 77.717869. Theertham of this Temple is Tambiraparani River. The place was historically called as Perattru Selvi.


Legends
Perattru Selvi:
Many years ago, a poor devotee was worshipping Ambica as his Ishta Devatha. Though he had a desire to build a temple for Ambica, he had no wherewithal to realize his wish. He wanted to install at least an idol of the Mother for his worship. Mother Ambica appeared in his dream and said that she is available for him at a deep spot in the river amid three Athi trees. Next morning, the devotee spread a web at the site and got the idol. As Ambica came from a big river – Peraru - She is named Perattru Selvi. The devotee installed Ambica in a small hut on the banks of the river.
Thamiraparani:
A king ruling Kasi then was cured of his leprosy after a bath in this river and has the reputation of being praised as ‘Kutta Kurai Theertham’.  Also, the river is called as Uthara Vahini.  According to our scriptures, rivers flowing northward are considered very sacred. Worshipping Ambica after a bath in Tambiraparani brings immense benefits to the devotee.
The Temple
The presiding deity of this temple is goddess Kali who is in a calm form and is worshipped here as Perattru Selvi. Here Lord Shiva the consort of Goddess Kali is worshipped as Nandiswarar. Lord Vinayaka is also worshipped at this temple. Ambica was found in the river. The shrines for Sudalai Madan and Pechi Amman are located opposite to the temple. These deities, Sangili Bhoodathar and Nalla Madan in the prakara are in the form of Peetas. 


Deity Dalavai Pechi graces from a separate shrine. Lord Lingeswara and Lord Chakkara Vinayaka are in the complex. Nandhi is by the side of Lord Vinayaka. Ambica holding weapons in her eight hands graces the devotees facing north. Against the fury attribute of a Kali, She is calm and smiling, hence praised as Shantarupa Kali. Special pujas are performed on Tuesdays. There are twin Vinayakas behind her shrine with two Nandhis on both sides revered as Lord Shiva.


Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. On Tuesdays, the temple is open throughout the day.
Festivals
Kodai Vizha on the third Tuesday of Chithirai in April-May, Mulai Pari Vizha on the second Tuesday of Aadi in July-August and Purattasi Pari Vettai in September-October are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Those facing concerns about welfare of children and in wedding proposals pray for relief with garlands of red flowers (Sevvarali Maalai) and light deeps made of a paste of rice flour and ghee. Realizing their wishes, devotees carry Agni Chatti – fire pots with 1000 holes.
Connectivity
The Temple is located in Vannarpettai in Thirunelveli Town.  The temple is located near Vannarpettai bus stop. Town buses are available from Thirunelveli junction to Vannarpettai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Thirunelveli and Nearest Airport is located at Madurai.