Mathura Kaliyamman Temple, Siruvachur – The Temple
The
temple is small with a main shrine and one prakara. A small tower and a pond
outside the temple are found. The beautiful temple is situated at the village
limits surrounded by mounts, lake, tanks and green fields blowing a gentle and
a cool breeze. This was renovated by Kulothunga Chola. Madura
Kaliyamman is in the sitting posture with four hands. There are few village
deities found in this small temple. The idol is about 4 feet tall facing
northward. She has weapons and an Akshayapatra – a vessel always full of
food – in her four hands. The mother is sitting with one leg bent and the
other on the lion, the vehicle of Shakti. The absence of demon under the
feet of Kaliyamman as usually found in Kali temples denotes that the deity is
all merciful and not furious.
In front
of the main sanctum is present the Samadhi of the evil sorcerer who had
commanded over Chelli. The devotees stamp over the Samadhi in the rush during
the pooja, as had been requested by him. Also, it is believed that all the
priests at the temple are descendants of the sorcerer. It is believed that Kali
keeps a close watch on them so that they do not; in anyway, inherit the evil
mind of their forefather. And so remains Madhurakali, in the village of
Siruvachur, granting solace and refuge to all her devotees who come to her in
times of need, just like she had protected and solved the problem of Chelli
eons ago.
Aiyanar
is the guardian deity of this Temple. The temple is open to devotees only twice
a week – Monday and Friday. It is believed that the main deity, Mathura
Kaliyamman, stays with Chelliamman during the remaining days of the week. The
temple has the Sri Chakra installed by His Holiness Swami Brahmmendra. The
temple is open only on Mondays and Fridays, as was commanded by Kali. All the
other days it is believed that Madhurakali Amman retreats into the Periyasami
hills to spend time with Chelli. The temple teams with thousands of devotees on
these two days. At every pooja, when the Aarathi is being offered, the priest
first lifts the Aarathi upwards in the direction of Periyasami hills, offers
prayers to Chelliamman and then only proceeds to worship Madhurakali.
As flour
lamp lighting is the main form of prayer commitment in the temple. The devotees
neither buy the flour outside nor bring it prepared from their homes. They
bring only rice, soak it in the water and then pound it in the temple premises
only. They add ghee and prepare the paste for making the lamp. These lamps
are placed before the shrine of Shakti. The temple has special space for pounding
the rice to make the flour. There are also people for hire to help devotees
pounding the rice.
The
Periyasami Malai mentioned earlier maybe a place to visit if you are inclined
to walk. Keep in mind that only males are allowed to visit. The foot of the
hill is about 4 kms from the temple. There are two temples in the hill. The
first one has the deities of Selliyamman, Laada Saami, Periyasami, Periya Kanni
Ayya and Kinaththadi Ayya all as clay idols.
The next
temple is that of Aathadi Gurusaami, where the idols of 11 Siddhars are
present. Also near the temple are Naaga Kanni, Sengamala Aiya, Ponnu Aiya,
Saptha Kanni, Seeri Muthaiya, Ariganda Aiya and Sirappuliyaan. Like in most
villages, these are all located under a large number of trees. The Kamba
Perumal temple nearby is seen to be auspicious during Purattasi Saturday and
attracts devotees who throng in large numbers. Monkeys in this place are a menace
to the devotees.
