Mundaka Kanni Amman Temple, Mylapore – Prayers
Those
afflicted with chickenpox, by praying to her gets relief is the stern belief. The
Theertham given in this temple is known as remedy for chicken pox. Devotees who
confront impediments in getting married and those affected with eye diseases
also pray to her. By lighting 23 lamps, people pray to her to attain rank
in studies. When their prayers are fulfilled, the devotees perform Abhishekam
to Ambal and do Angapradakshinam (body-rolling around the sanctum). Those who
pray to her offer turmeric, sandal, saffron powder, Kappu and also Annabishekam.
Generally,
only in the Siva temples, the Lord is worshipped performing Annabishekam. Since
the Ambal here is an aspect of Parvati Devi, she is worshipped by performing Annabishekam. To
prepare the Pongal offering to her, the temple uses only the dried cow dung. The
residue ashes are distributed as prasadam. The main prasadam in this temple are
the neem leaves, lime fruits, turmeric and holy water that are offered
to Amman during prayers.
Mundakkanni
Amman is said to be a form of Saraswathi who blesses people to excel in their
fine arts. This place is also known to relieve naga Dosham of the worshipping
devotees. Aadi Masam (Month) is considered to be the most auspicious month for
worshiping the Amman. During this month, women from all corners
of Chennai flock to this temple to cook and offer Sweet-Pongal to the
Amman.
The deity
being near and dear to the female devotees, Prarthana exclusive for them is
offered in this temple. Therefore, all Tuesdays, Fridays and in the month of
Aadi, this temple is seen as crowded with ladies clad in yellow. Special
offerings to ward off ill spells, curses, Occults and other influences of bad
spirits are exclusive for this temple.