Perathu Selvi Amman Temple, Vannarpettai, Thirunelveli
Perathu
Selvi Amman Temple is located at Vannarpettai in Thirunelveli Town in
Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is four hundred year old Hindu
temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Thiru Perathu Selvi Amman Kovil in Thirunelveli
is located at 8°43'52.6"N 77°43'04.3"E or 8.731291, 77.717869.
Theertham of this Temple is Tambiraparani River. The place was historically
called as Perattru Selvi.
Legends
Perattru Selvi:
Many
years ago, a poor devotee was worshipping Ambica as his Ishta Devatha. Though
he had a desire to build a temple for Ambica, he had no wherewithal to realize
his wish. He wanted to install at least an idol of the Mother for his
worship. Mother Ambica appeared in his dream and said that she is
available for him at a deep spot in the river amid three Athi trees. Next
morning, the devotee spread a web at the site and got the idol. As Ambica came
from a big river – Peraru - She is named Perattru Selvi. The devotee
installed Ambica in a small hut on the banks of the river.
Thamiraparani:
A king
ruling Kasi then was cured of his leprosy after a bath in this river and has
the reputation of being praised as ‘Kutta Kurai Theertham’. Also, the
river is called as Uthara Vahini. According to our scriptures, rivers
flowing northward are considered very sacred. Worshipping Ambica after a
bath in Tambiraparani brings immense benefits to the devotee.
The
Temple
The
presiding deity of this temple is goddess Kali who is in a calm form and is
worshipped here as Perattru Selvi. Here Lord Shiva the consort of Goddess Kali
is worshipped as Nandiswarar. Lord Vinayaka is also worshipped at this temple. Ambica
was found in the river. The shrines for Sudalai Madan and Pechi Amman are located
opposite to the temple. These deities, Sangili Bhoodathar and Nalla Madan
in the prakara are in the form of Peetas.
Deity
Dalavai Pechi graces from a separate shrine. Lord Lingeswara and Lord
Chakkara Vinayaka are in the complex. Nandhi is by the side of Lord
Vinayaka. Ambica holding weapons in her eight hands graces the devotees
facing north. Against the fury attribute of a Kali, She is calm and smiling,
hence praised as Shantarupa Kali. Special pujas are performed on Tuesdays.
There are twin Vinayakas behind her shrine with two Nandhis on both sides
revered as Lord Shiva.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. On
Tuesdays, the temple is open throughout the day.
Festivals
Kodai
Vizha on the third Tuesday of Chithirai in April-May, Mulai Pari Vizha on the
second Tuesday of Aadi in July-August and Purattasi Pari Vettai in
September-October are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Those
facing concerns about welfare of children and in wedding proposals pray for
relief with garlands of red flowers (Sevvarali Maalai) and light deeps made of
a paste of rice flour and ghee. Realizing their wishes, devotees carry Agni
Chatti – fire pots with 1000 holes.
Connectivity
The
Temple is located in Vannarpettai in Thirunelveli Town. The temple is located near Vannarpettai bus
stop. Town buses are available from Thirunelveli junction to Vannarpettai.
Nearest Railway Station is located at Thirunelveli and Nearest Airport is
located at Madurai.