Angala Parameswari Temple, Thuraiyur, Trichy
Angala Parameswari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located at Thuraiyur Town in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Angala Parameswari. This temple is approximately 300 years old. The temple is situated in the Chandai road of Thuraiyur.
Legends
Angala Parameswari:
It seems, a son of Goddess Parvathi called Kathava Rayan
was guarding her house, but he was very mischievous and when the seven
maids complained to Lord Shiva, he came there to punish Kathavarayan. Being a
mother, the Goddess wanted to protect her son and gave the boon of
immortality (His body would never be burnt in cremation ground). Shiva got
further enraged and cursed Goddess Parvathi to leave his left side of
the body and to be born in earth. Lord Vishnu who was her brother
came with her to help her. Kathavarayan also got reformed and started helping
her. The Goddess then became Angala Parameswari and started protecting people
around Thurayur.
Pechiamman:
The region was once under the rule of a miser king named
Vallala Raja. He was stingy to the core that he covered even the fields with a
net so that crows and sparrows could not touch the grains. He had no progeny to
succeed him to the throne. At last the king came to this temple for his
prayers. Answering his prayers, the queen became pregnant. But though 15 months
were over, she did not deliver the child.
With great pain in the heart, the king and queen came
to this temple and begged the Goddess to help them. Immediately the
goddess took the form of an old woman came before them and took out the
child from the queen with bare hands. Then old woman took the fierce form of
Pechiamman and listening to the prayers of the royal couple took the form of
the peaceful Angala Parameswari. The king got reformed and started helping all
people generously.
The Temple
The Temple is having three tiered Rajagopuram and is facing east. Agora Veera Bhadra, Kuthirai Veeran, Pavadai Rayan, Esakki Amman, Periyannachami, Muthu Karuppannasami, Thengu Perumal and Rahu kala Durga on the left side immediately after the entrance. Madurai Veeran with his wife can be seen on the right side immediately after the entrance. Sanctum is situated next to Madurai Veeran.
Lord Ganesha and Murugan can be seen at the entrance of the sanctum. Sanctum is also guarded by Dwara Palakis. Sanctum houses the presiding deity, Angala Parameswari. She is sitting posture with four hands and having everlasting smile on her face. She is accompanied by Maheshwari, Mahishasura Mardini, Vaishnavi, Brahmi and Durga Idols. In the sanctum.
There is also a shrine for Pechi Amman in the Temple premises. Goddess Pechi Amman appears in this shrine with a child on her lap while at the other side Goddess appears in a furious form tearing the stomach of the queen to take out the child.
There is a shrine for Periyanayaki in a lying (Sayana) form. The length is 8.75 feet. To see Goddess in a lying form (Sayana) is very rare in Shakti temples. Quite a few are there. Koniamman in Coimbatore and Vandi Maricha Amman in Ambasamudram in Tirunelveli district are in this form. The temple tree is the ber tree (Ilandhai tree) and nearby is the Karuppa Sami who is in standing pose playing the flute.
Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and
5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Shivarathri is an important festival in this temple.
9-day Mayana Kollai festival beginning the next day of Shivrathri is celebrated
in the temple. On Deepavali and the first of Chithirai month, special worship
is done to the Goddess.
Prayers
Majority of the devotees visiting the temple are women
seeking child boon and marriage. Women pray in the Pechiamman shrine and
tie toy cradles in the tree nearby. Pregnant women have the faith that the delivery
of the child would be normal even if they pray to the Goddess sitting in their
home and places. Devotees offer abishek and cloths (vastras) to the Goddess as
prayer commitment.
Contact
Angalaparameswari Temple,
Thuraiyur,
Trichy District – 621 010
Phone: +91 90422 14140
Connectivity
This temple lies in the heart of the Thuraiyur Town. The
Temple is located at about 700 meters from Thuraiyur Bus Stand, 33 Kms Samayapuram,
38 Kms from Srirangam, 42 Kms from Perambalur and 46 Kms from Trichy. Nearest
Railway Station is located at Trichy (49 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at
Trichy (50 Kms).