Saturday, July 22, 2017

Anbil Mariamman Temple, Trichy

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).