Ezhai Katha Amman, Vellalur, Madurai
Ezhai
Katha Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple located at
Vellalur in Madurai District of Tamil
Nadu. This temple is located within the Panchayat limit of
Kurichipatti. People call this place as Vellalur Nadu (Nadu means - own
country). Ezhai Katha Amman Temple and Valladikaarar temple are two important
temples for these people. Lord Valladikaarar and Goddess Ezhai Katha Amman are
brother and sister.
Legends
The Chozhas
used to maintain armies in several places in their country to
protect their kingdom. One such group was called Ambalakarar and who
were stationed in Vellalur Nadu near Sivagangai and their job was to
protect the kingdom from the sea robbers. The chiefs of these castes were
eleven in number and they were called “Karaikararkal”, The Ezhai Katha
Amman (Goddess who protected the poor) belonged to this caste.
In
Vellalur about 900 years ago lived two sisters. The elder one though married
did not have any children. The younger sister had about 8 children. The elder
sister loved these children, and fondled all of them. The younger sister became
jealous because of that. Other people told her that all her children will
desert her and go with her elder sister. One day, when the elder sister
came in search of the kids, the younger sister locked all her kids in
the Chicken cage and told her sister that they were not there.
The
elder sister who happened to see the children in the cage, then said, “If
they are not there, then they would not be there.” After she went back the
younger sister found that all her kids had turned in to stone. When
her neighbours saw this, they advised the younger sister to go and approach the
elder sister. The kind hearted elder sister then brought back to life all the
kids. This elder sister was well known for helping poor people. After her death,
her clan members started worshipping her as Goddess.
Temple
Opening Time
On
Tuesdays and Fridays temple would be open from 9 am to 2 Pm.
Festivals
The
festival for Ezhai Katha Amman take place in the month of September and for Valladikaarar
swami take place in the month of March. During the festival time of both the
temples people fast for 15 days without eating non-veg foods and flour involved
food. They will not break or cut the coconut, lemon, trees and construction
works won't take place. (No mixing of cement or mud) and even the hotels won't
be running, they celebrate this festival with joy more than any other festivals
like Diwali or Pongal.
Seven
young girls of about 10 years of age around more than 18 villages which comes
under Vellalur Nadu are selected as Daughters. They respect girls as Goddess as
well as they will do holy service for entire 15 days. These seven girls are
selected by Ezhai Katha Amman Temple priest (Poosaari - Melavalasai).
On the
last day of the festival, women from the village and the seven girls are asked
to carry pots of liquor as an offering to the goddess. While doing so, women too
are not allowed to wear blouses. During the festival, for 15 days, these
children are treated as goddess. It would indeed be a matter of pride if their
child is selected as one among the seven. Every day, they have to perform
activities that relate to the Amman and they will not be allowed to attend
school for 15 days.
Prayers
People
believe that praying this Goddess for anything connected with children would be
answered positively. People believe that prayers done on Tuesdays and Fridays
are more effective.
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 100 meters from Vellalur Bus Stop, 10 Kms from Melur,
10 Kms from Melur Corporation Bus Stand, 38 Kms from Madurai, 40 Kms from
Madurai Railway Junction and 48 Kms from Madurai International Airport.
