Keerthivageeswarar Temple, Soolamangalam – Religious
Significance
Saptha
Mangai Sthalams:
There are 7 shrines associated with the Saptha Matrikas
(Madhas / Mangais) around Ayyampettai / Pasupathi Koil area in the Thanjavur –
Papanasam (Kumbakonam) route and the temples are:
1. Chakramangai (Abhirami),
2. Arimangai (Maheswari),
3. Soolamangai (Kaumari),
4. Nandimangai (Vaishnavi),
5. Pasumangai (Varahi).
6. Thazhamangai (Mahendri) and
7. Pullamangai (Chamundi)
Navarathri
Worship:
As per Hindu Mythology, Mother Parasakthi visits these
temples to have the dharshan of various parts of Lord Shiva during the nine Navarathri
days:
Day 1:
On Day 1 of the Navaratri, the Universal Mother along
with Sri Brahmi Devi offered worship at the Chakramangai and got
the darshan of Lord Shiva’s Third Eye – Siva Netra Chakra Darshan.
Day 2:
On Day 2, She, along with Sri Maheswari Devi
offered worship at Arimangai and got the darshan of the divine Ganga
on Lord Shiva’s head – Siva Ganga Darshan.
Day 3:
On Day 3, She, along with Sri Kaumari
Devi offered worship at Soolamangai and got the darshan of Lord
Shiva’s Trident – Siva Trisula Darshan.
Day 4:
On Day 4, She, along with Sri Vaishnavi Devi
offered worship at Nandimangai and got the darshan of Lord Shiva’s
Leg Ornament – Siva Kazhal Darshan.
Day 5:
On Day 5, the Universal Mother along with Sri
Varahi Devi and Mother Kamadenu, offered worship
at Pasumangai and got the darshan of Lord Shiva’s Hand Drum –
Siva Udukkai Darshan (Damaruka Darshan).
Day 6:
On Day 6, She, along with Sri Indrani Devi also
known as Mahendri offered worship at Thazhamangai and got the darshan
of the Crescent Moon on Lord Shiva’s Head Drum – Siva Pirai Chandra Darshan.
Day 7:
On Day 7, She, along with Sri Chamundi Devi offered
worship at Thirpullamangai and got the darshan of the Divine Serpents
on Lord Shiva’s Neck – Siva Naga Bhooshana Darshan.
Day 8:
On Day 8, She, along with Sri Vajreswari Devi (one
of the Aadhi Moola Dwara Palaki gate keepers of the Mother) offered worship at
the Thiruchelur Machapureeswarar temple.
Day 9:
On Day 9, She, along with Sri Makuteswari Devi (one
of the Aadhi Moola Dwara Palaki – gate keepers of the Mother) offered worship
at the Melattur Unnathapureeswarar temple.