Sapthamadha Temple, Manakkal, Trichy
Sapthamadha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess
Saptha Madhas (Brahmi, Maheswari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Rudrani, Gaumari and
Chamundi) located at Manakkal Village near Lalgudi Town in Trichy District of
Tamilnadu. The temple is about 800 years old.
Legends
Chettiappar was a tantric from Kerala who never used his
powers against any one. Trading, especially in turmeric was his main
profession. He once came to Manakkal. He saw the Saptha Madhas bathing in a
tank before him. They were Brahmi, Maheswari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Rudrani,
Gaumari and Chamundi. He offered them his turmeric stock which they did not
need. Chettiappar was not sad that he could not sell his stock but was sad that
it was not needed by such divine angels. He wanted to sell his turmeric even by
threatening them. He began to take the ornaments they have left on the steps of
the tank.
Goumari noticed it and called him. She offered to buy
his turmeric. The trader asked for how much value, one coin or two coins. Goumari
picked up a flower from her hair and asked him to give an equal weight. His
turmeric could not stand before the weight of the flower. He placed all his
stock – many bags – the flower side did not raise at all. He realized that the seven
virgins were not simply ordinary humans but divines. He fell at their feet and sought
their pardon. He built a temple there for the Saptha Madhas.
The
Temple
Though Saptha Madha temples are generally facing north,
this is facing east. Presiding Deity is Gowmari and Sapthamadhas. Saptha Madhas
grace from the sanctum sanctorum. The prakara of the temple is home to shrines
of Madurai Veeran, Chettiappar, Dwara Palakis, Karuppannan and Ayyanar.
Elephant and Horse Vahans are also in the prakara. Madurai Veeran shrine is on
the left of the main shrine. Chettiappar statue is in the right side of Maha
Mandapam. On the entrance of the Maha Mandapam are Dwarapalakis (security
deities) on both sides.
Horses and elephants are carved on the pillars. Ayyanar
is on the elephant while Karuppannasami is on the horse. Devotees use to offer
garlands to this horse vahana also to recover loans advanced by them to others.
Sthala Vriksham is Naruvali Tree. Devotees use to circumambulate the tall and
broad Naruvali tree in the prakara for child boon. The deities of the temple
are the Kula Devatha of thousands of families in the area.
Temple
Opening Time
The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and
from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Karagam festival following the Masi new moon day
(Amavasya) is very famous in this temple. This is an art of dancing fast and
round by men and women holding a pot on their head with such balance without
holding them by hand. Thousands participate in the festival. Laksharchana
(chanting the names of Shakti one lakh times) is dedicated to Mother during the
10 days of Navarathri. The Thayir Pavadai festival on the 10th day is very
famous. The floor of Artha Mandapa would be covered with curd rice. After
offering the same as Nivedhana to Goumari, it is distributed as Prasad to
devotees.
Prayers
Women pray to Saptha Madhas for the longevity of their
Mangal Sutras. Devotees pray to Karuppannasami for recovery of loans advanced
and for happy wedding. Devotees perform abishek to Mother Goumari and offer
vastras.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 250 meters Manakkal
Mandapam Bus Stop, 1 Km from Lalgudi Bus Station, 1.5 Kms form Lalgudi, 2 Kms
from Lalgudi Railway Station, 7 Kms from Anbil, 24 Kms from Trichy and 29 Kms
from Trichy Airport.