Nalla Mariamman Temple, Thozhuthur, Thiruvarur
Nalla
Mariamman Temple is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Mariyamman located at Thozhuthur
Village in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. The temple is under the
administration of Hindu Religious and Endowment Charities department of
Tamilnadu.
Legends
Renukadevi,
wife of Jamadagni Rishi, with the power of her chastity made pots with the sand
in the river bank and was fetching water for puja in the Ashram. Once, she saw
the reflection of a handsome Gandharva travelling in the sky on his horse and
wondered at his beauty. The very thought and appreciation of the handsomeness
of the Gandharva had its impact on her power that the pot was broken and she
had to return to the Ashram without water. Muni Jamadagni understood the
reason. He suspected her fidelity and asked his son Parasurama to chop off his
mother’s head. Son Parasurama obeyed, but could not bear the grief.
Jamadagni
told Parasurama that he was pleased with his obedience while his brothers
refused his order and offered a boon. Parasurama wanted his mother back which
the Rishi obliged but left his wife. However, as she was bringing him water for
his pujas, he said that she, in the name of Mariamman would continue the
service to people offering pure water. Mari in Tamil means rain. As Renukadevi
was making pots, the potter-Vellala community people worship her as their
community deity in Thozhuthur.
The
Temple
The
Temple is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Mariyamman. There are also guardian
deities in the temple as Kazhuvudayan with his consorts, Periyachi, Muniswarar,
Bommi, Maduraiveeran with Vellayammal, Kathavarayan, Karuppazhagi, Aryamala and
Thotiyathu Chinnan.
Temple
Opening Time
The temple
is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Festivals
18 days
festival from the Sunday following the Chitra Poornima (April-May) with car
festival.
Prayers
Removal
of obstacles in marriage efforts, child boon and higher education are the
prayers submitted to the deity. Those suffering from eye troubles spoiling
their appearance pray to the deity here. Treatment is offered through a flower
known as Nandiavattai. Devotees offer Mavilakku (lighting a lamp made of rice
flour and jaggery with ghee) and also bore the cheeks known as Alagu Kuthal.
Contact
Nalla
Mariamman Temple,
Thozhuthur
– 612 804,
Thiruvarur
District
Mobile: +91 – 94443 54461 / 94437 45732
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Alathambadi, 24 Kms from Thiruvarur, 12
Kms from Thiruthuraipoondi and 126 Kms from Trichy. Alathambadi is located on Thiruvarur
to Thiruthuraipoondi route. Thozhuthur is located at about 2 Kms from
Alathambadi can be reached by Autos. Nearest Railway Station is located at
Thiruthuraipoondi and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.