Anbil Mariamman Temple, Trichy
Anbil
Mari Amman Temple is one of the three important temples of Anbil village. It is
the most popular temple in terms of number of devotees visiting the site. In
the entire India, there are seven temples of Mari Amman which are considered as
the most important. This temple is one among them. The other most important
Mari Amman Temples are located in Samayapuram, Narthana Malai, Veera Singa
Pettai, Kannanur, Punnai Nallur and Tiruverkadu. This temple is
approximately 700 years old. The temple is located at a walkable distance from
the Sathyavageeswarar temple and the temple comes under the administration of
Srirangam Ranganathar temple.
Legends
According
to legends from the Puranas, during a flood on the Kollidam River, the Goddess
Amman took refuge under the neem tree near this temple, after which the temple
was constructed. It is a common practice for devotees without children to visit
this temple to pray for children.
History
It is
not known who built this temple and when it was built. However, as per the
local people's belief, the temple was built by a King called Muthalagan around
700 years ago. Before that, the idol was there under a neem tree without the
temple structure. Although, the current structure of the temple may lead us to
assume that the temple might be at least 300-400 years old, there is no
historical record about the date of this temple.
The
Temple
The east
facing sanctum enshrines the five feet tall red colored stucco idol of Maha
Mari Amman. She is found in the seated posture. She has eight arms. There is a
possibility that Ashta Bhuja Durga might have been named as Mari Amman in this
temple. The stone walls of the sanctum and the beautiful vimana make us to
believe that the temple must be few hundred years old. A Shiv Linga idol is also
found in the sanctum.
Near the
sanctum, there are 6-7 tiny sub-shrines enshrining male Grama Devatas (village
deities) are found. There is a statue of horse along with a man in uniform
located facing the sanctum. Theertham of this Temple is River Kollidam. Sthala
Vriksham is Neem Tree. The Amman is such a beauty and the temple is very well
maintained.
There
are seven most important Amman Temples. Those are Samayapuram, Narthan Malai,
Veera Singa Pettai, Kannanur, Punnai Nallur, Thiruverkadu and Anbil. Out of the
seven Amman Temples, Anbil Mariamman is considered to be the eldest of other
Goddesses. Anbil Mariamman also has seven Children. Amman doesn’t have
children in other temples.
Temple
Opening Time
·
Morning 7:00 A.M. – 1:00
P.M.
·
Evening 4:00 P.M. to 8:00
P.M.
Festivals
·
Special poojas are
conducted during New Year day, Fridays of Tamil month Aadi & Thai, New moon
days and Full moon days.
·
Vaikasi – Special poojas
are conducted on 5th & 6th days of Vaikasi.
·
Aani – Maha Sandi Yaga.
·
Panguni – First Sunday of
Panguni will have flower festival, Then 15 consecutive days there will be
special poojas. Second Sunday, devotees will carry a fire pot and worship
the Goddess. Third Sunday, Goddess enters her house and next 10 days will be
festival for her.
Prayers
Devotees
believe that eye related diseases and chicken pox will be cured by praying to
Mother. Every day around 12:00 Noon the priest at this temple provides a liquid
made up of certain special medicinal herbs which cures the eye diseases.
Connectivity
Anbil is
located at about 30 Kms from Trichy, 8 Kms from Lalgudi and 27 Kms from
Samayapuram. Frequent bus facilities are available from Trichy Bus stand. One
has to get down at Keelanbil bus stop to reach the temple. Nearest Railway
Station is located at Lalgudi (9 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy
(35 Kms).
