Friday, May 6, 2016

Vada Bhadra Kali Amman Temple (Nisumba Soodhani Amman Temple), Thanjavur

Vada Bhadra Kali Amman Temple (Nisumba Soodhani Amman Temple), Thanjavur
Vada Bhadra Kali Amman Temple (Nisumba Soodhani Amman Temple is located in Poomal Rauther Koil street in Keezha Vaasal area in Tanjore city. It is believed that the original temple (of course not the current structure) was built by Vijayalaya Chola in the 9th century CE. He was the first medieval Chola. It is also believed that all the Chola kings including the great emperor Raja Raja Chola used to worship this powerful deity.

Nisumba Soodhani is also called as Vada Bhadra Kali and Raavukala Kali. The temple is very small. No other deity is found other than Kali Amman. The 1160 years old deity comes under Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) administration and well maintained by Thanjavur Palace Devasthanam.

The temple was built by Vijayalaya Chola (848-891), once a feudatory of the Pallavas. The temple has the sanctum sanctorum, ardhamandapa and the mahamandapa (temporary tin sheet shed). Kali Amman is in the sitting posture with two arms carrying Shula. She looks very ferocious and has a demon lying under her feet. The gigantic image of the Goddess has her head slightly tilted on her left side.

The temple is 2 km away from Old Bus stand of Thanjavur and there are number city buses and auto rickshaws available from here. This Temple is popularly known among the local people as "Ragukaala Kali Temple". Special Pooja's and Abishekam will be conducted on all Fridays in the month of Aadi and Thai. Four Kaalam Poojas are conducted in this Temple daily.

Temple Timings: 07.00 am - 11.00 pm and 05.00 pm - 08.00 pm.