Sri Kottai Mariamman Temple, Dindigul
Kottai
Mariamman Temple is a several hundred year old Saivite Temple at Begampur,
Dindigul. The goddess idol was installed here by warriors who belonged to Tipu
Sultan army at a Peedam. The Temple was constructed several years later.
Devotees carry fire pot, light Maa Vilakku and perform Abhishekam and archana
to the goddess as their thanks giving. Devotees believed that the goddess will
bless them with child boon and save them from prolonged diseases.
Sri
Kottai Mariamman Kovil is a 200 year old temple which has an idol of Kottai
Mariamman, installed by Tipu Sultan. Other important idols in the temple
include Lord Vinayaka, Lord Murugan, Goddess Kali, Goddess Durga and Madurai
Veeran. It has been constructed in the shape of a square at the fort of the mountain.
The
Mariamman idol is said to be installed by the army men of Tippu Sultan at the
fort of the mountain. Hence it is called Kottai (Fort) Mariamman temple of
Dindigul. The historical name of the Sri Kottai Mariamman temple is called
as Dhandeeswaram. There are three special entrances to the temple. The
processions are arranged through the front entrance. The main idol in the
sanctum is installed on the floor of the temple and Sakthi is always designed
with golden Kavacham during the festival.
Temple Speciality
The
bottom of the idol is deeply installed in this temple than in other places.
This is probably the only Mari Amman temple in the state with a small sanctum
sanctorum to define the philosophy that however rich one may be, he/she should
bend and bow down before God or Goddess to have the darshan.
History
During
the 18th century, there was only a small peeta and the idol of the
deity. The army men of Tippu Sultan built a small mutt and installed
the idol, which today is the Kottai Mariamman and guardian deity of the people
of Dindigul. There are three special entrances to the
temple. The processions are arranged through the front
entrance. Other entrances are close to the Fort. The
temple celebrates a 20 day festival each year.
Greatness
of Temple
It is
noteworthy that Dindigul district has all the Vasthu aspects to its
advantage. It is also historically famous. The fort built
three hundred years ago is still afresh and majestic. It is said
that that there was an underground passage to Palani which Tippu Sultan used
many a time, according to history. The temple is behind this serene
environment behind the fort., hence the Goddess is named Kottai Mariamman.
Mariamman
graces in a sitting form with 8 hands. She holds snake, trident,
skull and bell in the right hand, bow, a bowl and weapons on the left.
The
Temple
The
temple is constructed in the shape of a square. There is a temple for Vetri
Vinayaka at the South & Lord Muruga at the North of this temple. There is a
Mandapam (Hall) in the center of the ground in which there is a sculpture of a
Lion facing the Sannidhi. The Sanctum Sanctorum is small & square shaped.
The deity consecrated (Moolavar) is seen here, embedded deeply under the floor.
There
are several sculptures on the sniper structure over the Sanctum Sanctorum,
depicting various incarnations of the goddess Mariamman. All the four sides,
various scenes showing the destroying of monster by the goddess are seen. On
the eastern side over the Amman Sannidhi is a temple for Vinayaka and on
western side a temple for Madurai Veeran. On the front side of Sannidhi the
Navagraha idols are installed. On the back side of the temple, there is an idol
of Kaali & another one for Durga. The temple is situated in such a large
area as 2 acres. The golden shield will adorn the deity on every day between 5
PM to 9 PM.
Goddess
has eight hands and she holds skull, trident, bell, snake, weapons, bowl and
bow in her hands. Lord Murugan, Lord Vetri Vinayagar, Kaali, Madurai Veeran,
Navagrahas and Karuppasamy are also worshipped at this temple.
A post
called Kamba Thadi made with copper is at the entrance of the
shrine. The temple is run by a board of Trustees.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Soon
after the new moon day in the month of Masi, (February-March), on the fifth
day, the festival flag would be hoisted for a 20 day celebration in the temple.
The festival continues for 30 days also in some years.
Starting
on the 5th day after the New Moon day, the great festival of Masi is celebrated
for 20 days every year. There are other festivals in all the 12 months of the
year. The devotees come here & worship to get rid of several diseases like
eye disease, small Pox etc. and get cured.
Larger
& larger crowds are attracted to this temple every year. The devotees
perform several duties like taking Agni Chatti (Fire Pot), Milk Pot, Mulaipari
procession, Maavu Vilakku etc. Nearly 10 lakh people visit the temple during
the festival days.
Prayers
Devotees
pray for child boon. It is also believed that praying to Kottai
Mariamman effectively relieves the devotees from sickness, small-pox, prolonged
illness and disabilities.
Devotees
offer turmeric and salt at the foot of the post. Women perform a sacred abishek
on the flag hoisting day hoping that the Goddess would be cooled down of her
anger and bless the people.
Those
seeking child boon carry fire pots. People blessed with the child carry the
child in a cradle made of sugarcane and light flour lamps – Maavilakku. The
crowd will be as high as 10 lakh during the festival days.
Contact
Sri
Kottai Mari Amman Temple,
Dindigul
– 624 001
Phone: +91 451 2427267
Mobile: 94444 02440
Connectivity
As the
temple is in the heart of the town, it can be reached both by buses and autos.
It is 50 km from Madurai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Dindigul &
Nearest Airport is located at Madurai.