Ponnazhagiamman Temple, O. Siruvayal, Sivaganga
Ponnazhagiamman
Temple is located at O. Siruvayal Village in Sivaganga District of Tamilnadu.
Presiding deity is called as Ponnazhagiamman. Urchavar is called as Azhagiya
Nayagi. Thala Vriksham is Magizham. Theertham is called as Ambal Theertham. Mother
Ponnazhagi Ambal is a swayambumurthy.
Legends
The
region was a dense forest in days of yore. When people were digging the
ground to take out roots, they found one root bleeding. Shocked people
informed the matter to all in the village. They found Ambal as a
Swayambumurthy and built this temple.
The
Temple
Mother
Ponnazhagi Ambal is on a rock in the form of a Linga. Her neck is slightly
turned on the right side with weapons in Her 8 hands killing demon
Mahishasura. A battle axe cut scar is still visible. Near the flag
post is a Vedalam – a spirit – like creature generally soft in
nature. Guardian deity Kalluchi Amman is in front of the temple as a small
idol. Devotees pray to her with Kumkum archana.
Sri
Anjaneya is generally seen in temples either with an Abhaya Hastha-assuring
hand or with Anjalai Hastha-worshipping Lord Rama with palms held
together. Anjaneya in this temple is holding the feet of Lord Sri Rama in
‘surrender’ form. We can see this Hanuman in this form in the Sri
Rama-Mother Sita shrine in the prakara. Devotees offer cosmetic oils to
Sri Rama and Mother Sita and Sendhuram – a red powder and sandal to Sri
Hanuman.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Festivals
10 day
Chithirai Brahmotsavam is grandly celebrated in the temple in April-May.
Prayers
It is
believed that brothers separated due to some problems will be blessed with a
happy re-union if they pray here. They also conduct a ritual called adoption in
the presence of Mother Ponnazhagi Amman - Thathu Koduthal in Tamil. After
this ceremony, they pray to Lord Rama who is an outstanding example of
brotherhood for total understanding between brothers and ensuring peace. This
ritual is done even for new born babies.
Vada, a
popular dish of Tamilnadu is offered as nivedhana to the deity. Devotees offer
silk vastras to Ambal with Sandal abishek for ending delays in marriages. People
pray in Sri Ramas’s shrine for freedom from enemy fears and for cultivating
traits of humility. Devotees offer silk vastras to Ambal with Sandal abishek.
Contact
Sri
Ponnazhagiamman Temple,
O.
Siruvayal, Sivaganga District
Phone: +91- 4577 - 264
778
Connectivity
O
Siruvayal is 5 km far from Karaikudi. Mini buses are available to reach the
temple. Nearest Railway Station is located at Karaikudi and Nearest
Airport is located at Madurai.