Palani Murugan Temple – Mariamman Temple
The seated Mariamman is small in stature. She is covered
with a golden sheath, and on Fridays there will always be a crowd. This too is
owned by the Devasthanam. In the extreme south at the end of this street, a
Vinayaga of Chettiar Madam, a Mahakali, in old Dharapuram road, and Chowndamman
are all worth seeing.
The prosperity of this Devi increased with the
prosperity of the Palayakars. Palayakars were lords of small tracts, and
Mariamman was their goddess of boundary. Naturally they propitiated her to get
her grace.
This temple has a big Balipeetham, a dais mandapam at
the entrance with a Vinayaga at the centre. In a pillar beautiful Dhandayuthapani
sculpture can be seen. At the entrance site a cashier with tickets for those
who want to go in. This Goddess does not cure anybody without requisite fees.
There are hundials too.
In the south circuit, Idumban swamy, Mariamman re
enjoying the breeze of a Neem tree with sky as canopy. Then comes the Maha Mandapa;
A Nandi and Brass flag staff adorn this centre. Two separate ways for males and
females are provided and an iron barred passage has been set up.
The sanctum is very small. In the south west corner of
Arda Mandapa, there is Amman with a baby. She is called Peichi Aththal. The Mariamman Temple is devoted to Goddess
Mariamman, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple
is visited by many travellers, especially on Fridays, when the main idol is
covered with a golden sheath.
Temple Opening
& Closing Time: 6.00 AM - 9.00 PM.