Mandhai Karai Kali Temple, Kali, Mayiladuthurai
Mandhai
Karai Kali Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to goddess Kali located in Kali
Village in Mayiladuthurai Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. The
temple is situated on the banks of Vikraman river. This village is said to have
seven goddesses temples.
Legends
As per
legend, the village was called as Srinivasapuram named after Lord Srinivasa
Perumal. It is said that the idol of main deity, Kaliyamman, was found in the
Vikraman River. Once, the village and its agricultural fields were heavily
flooded due to the torrential rain. Due to devastation of the floods, epidemic
diseases and famine struck the village. Several villagers and livestock died
due to the lack of medication and food. The surviving villagers surrendered to
Abhirami of Thirukameswarar temple for relief.
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They
light deepas and performed abhishekam to Abhirami. During deepa aradhana, an
old lady got possessed by the goddess and told villagers that she was hidden in
the form of Kali under earth in Keeraimedu canal. She further asked the
villagers to excavate the idol and build temple for the idol for relief from
the natural fury. As instructed, the villagers went to the Keeraimedu canal,
excavated the idol and installed the idol. The villagers worshipped the idol
sincerely and got relief.
As
goddess Kali shown the destination (Karai) for the people who were roaming like
a herd (Mandhai) during the natural calamity, she came to be called as Mandhai
Karai Kali. It is said that Lord Srinivasa Perumal appeared in the dreams of
several villagers and ordered them to rename the village as Kali instead of
Srinivasapuram in gratitude to Kaliyamman. The shrine of Kaliyamman can be seen
at the entrance of the Kali village.
The
Temple
This
temple is facing towards north. Her lion mount and Balipeedam can be found facing
towards the sanctum. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum and ardha
mandapam. Sub shrines of Vinayaga and Murugan can be seen at the entrance of
the ardha mandapam. The sanctum enshrines an image of Mandhai Karai Kali, a
form of goddess Durga.
Temple
Opening Time
The temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 10.00 AM and 05.00
PM to 08.00 PM.
Festivals
Aadi
Thiruvizha & Amavasya (Jul-Aug) and Thai Pongal (Jan-Feb) are the festivals
celebrated here.
Prayers
Devotees
worship goddess Kaliyamman to get relief from Rahu, Ketu and Chevvai doshas
Connectivity
The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Korukkai, 7
Kms from Thirumanancheri, 9 Kms from Villiyanallur, 9 Kms from Nidur, 10 Kms
from Manalmedu, 10 Kms from Kuthalam, 11 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Bus Stand, 11
Kms from Mayiladuthurai Junction Railway Station, 13 Kms from Mayiladuthurai,
33 Kms from Kumbakonam and 134 Kms from Trichy Airport. The temple is situated
at about 9 Kms to the west of Nidur on Mayiladuthurai to Manalmedu route.