Dhenupureeswarar Temple,
Patteeswaram – Durga Shrine
There is separate Durga Temple located at the northern entrance of the temple premises. Though, this is a Shiva temple, the most famous deity in this temple is Durga. This temple is famously called as Patteeswaram Durga Temple. Mother Durga housed in this shrine is called as Kottai Vayil Durga / Vishnu Durga, Durga Lakshmi / Navayoga Nayaki / Navakoti Nayaki / Navagraha Nayaki / Navaratri Nayaki / Nava Sakthi Nayaki.
She is basically considered as a Kaval Deivam (or a guardian deity) of this temple and has her sanctum right at the entrance. The goddess appears in a Tribhanga stature, eight hands, three eyes and jewels in the ears and standing on top of the demon Mahishasuran. Generally, the lion faces right, however the lion here faces the left side. The goddess holds conch, wheel, bow, arrow, sword, shield and a parrot in her hands. Unlike her Ugra Swarupi in other temples, She has a pleasing appearance (Shanta Swarupi).
Chola Kings including Chola Emperor Rajaraja Chola I were ardent devotees of Goddess Durga. She was considered as the protecting deity of the Cholas in their fort’s northern gate. It is said that before their departure for any battle and also after their return, the Chola kings would invoke the blessings of Durga. Towards the end of their regime and with their palace at Patteeswaram going into ruins, they moved the idol of Durga into the northern entrance of the Dhenupureeswarar Temple from where she currently provides darshan to devotees.
