Vayanachi & Periyanayaki Temple, Velangudi,
Karaikudi, Sivaganga
Vayanachi
& Periyanayaki Temple is located at Velangudi Village near Karaikudi in
Sivaganga District of Tamilnadu.
Legends
Centuries
ago, people of Paliah Naadu had the habit of hunting in memory of the noted
chieftain Vallal Pari. They chased a rabbit. It hid itself in the
tree hole. When they hit the hole they heard the sound of a metal. They
found an Ambica idol with a trident. The man who took the idol retained
the trident with him and gave the idol to villagers. They built a temple
in their native Pallathur and installed the deity facing east. Next
morning, the deity was found facing Velangudi in south.
Villagers
found that the man who took the idol from the tree hole had the trident hidden
with him. They took the idol to Velangudi, built the temple and installed
Mother in the temple. Mother Vayanachi Amman graces from the main temple
and Mother Perianayaki graces from a shrine outside.
The
Temple
Lands
are divided into five categories. Dry part is called Paalai in
Tamil. This part of Tamilnadu was then known as Paaliah Nadu dense with
Kara plants and bushes. As the place was full of these Kara bushes, it was
named Karaikudi. Later, efforts were taken to make them fit for farming
and those who led this project were called Vallambars and Nattars who were army
men and skilled in archery. They had Mother Perianayaki as their Kula
Devatha. Mother Vayanachi meaning Mother of Strength graces from the
sanctum sanctorum. She grants success to her devotees.
There is
also a deity in the temple praised as Pidari meaning who drives away Peetas the
evil effects. In the Panchayat courts, witnesses would be required to
swear on Pidari. No one had the courage to speak falsehood in the
meeting. If one so dares to speak lies, he/she would not be alive at the
night, was the fear among the people then. There is a tank near the temple
called Chidambara Poigai, believed to be home to Siddhas. Hence, no one bathes
here. Devotees worship the Poigai on Fridays.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Chithirai
Ezhur and car festival in April-May is grandly celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
People
pray to Ambicas for good farm yields and a life free of diseases. Devotees
perform abishek to Mothers, offer pudding-Pongal nivedhana and carry fire pots.
Contact
Sri
Vayanachi and Periyanayaki Amman Temple,
Velangudi-Karaikudi,
Sivaganga District
Phone: +91 4565-283 422
Connectivity
Velangudi
is 5 km far from Karaikudi bus stand on the Tiruchi Road. Nearest Railway
Station is located at Karaikudi and Nearest Airport is located at Madurai.
