- Kali
Kiliyaalamman Temple
- Sorakalpattu,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
The Kiliyaalamman temple is located in Periyakumatti and is dedicated to Kiliyaalamman. The temple is managed by the Chidambaram Natarajar Tirukkoil. Within the premises of the temple one can find Aiyanaar with his spouses Poorna and Pushkala. In the prime sanctum, the Sapta kannigas are found facing north. The deity in the centre is Kiliyaalamman. Ambigai is perceived as the Shakti of the God and is called the "Sivaswaroopam" - the Shiva Personified. Due to this, Nandhi is seen in front of the sanctum of Ambigai.
About The Deity
Once there was a dance competition between Lord Siva and Ambigai at Chidambaram. Ambigai challenged the Lord by converting each of her aspects into a form and danced. At that time, Ambal took the form of a parrot. The Lord while dancing thumped the parrot with his hand. Due to the unbearable pain the parrot fell down here in the woods at the borderline of Chidambaram. She was the one to stay here. Since she rested here in the parrot form, she came to be known as ‘Kiliyaalamman’ (‘Kili’ in Tamil is Parrot).
Legends and Stories
Once, a merchant took 7 carts of pepper loads to do business. When he crossed this place, Ambigai as an Old woman came before him and asked, "What are you having in these bags, boy? I’m hungry. If you have any eatables in it, do give me." The merchant lied to her that the bags had charcoal sticks and went away. When he went to the market, the pepper bags had turned into charcoal. The shocked merchant came back to this place. Ambigai again appeared before him as an Old woman. The merchant pleaded pardon and Ambigai graced him by changing the charcoal into pepper. Later, the merchant made a statue for Ambal and consecrated it.
In the main sanctum, the Sapta kannigas are found facing north. The middle deity is worshipped as Kiliyaalamman. Ambigai who competed with Lord Siva is the Shakti of the Lord. Hence, She becomes the ‘Sivaswaroopam’ – the Siva Personified. Based on this fact is seen Nandhi before the sanctum of Ambal. A different form of Dakshinamoorthy, wearing a yoga-band and with rosary and soolam on hands is seen in the front mandapam. Near the temple at a short distance is the lime-image (suthai) of Kiliyaalamman along the roadside. Here on both the sides of Ambigai are parrots. Those who take road travel stop here and pray for safe travel without any accidents.
Festivals
During the 8 days festival in the month of Aavani, special poojas are conducted to Ambigai. In these days Ambigai will go in procession seated on her ‘Simha Vahanam’ - Lion-carrier. On Fridays too special poojas are performed.
How to Reach Kiliyaalamman Temple
This temple is located about 18 kms distance in the Chidambaram-Cuddalore line. From Chidambaram we must travel 17 kms to P. Mutloor and from this place take an auto and travel 1 km to reach the temple. The nearest railway station is Chidambaram. The nearest airport is Trichy and Chennai.
Temple Address
Kiliyaalamman Temple,
Sorakalpattu, Cuddalore,
Tamil Nadu
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To reduce anger
- Controlling hatred
Shlokas
Jayantii Manggalaa Kaalii Bhadrakaalii Kapaalinii Durgaa Shivaa Kssamaa Dhaatrii Svaahaa Svadhaa Namostu Te
Meaning -We salute the Devi Kali, who is always victorious and always auspicious, we offer salutations to Bhadrakali Devi who wears a skull garland, we salute Shiva's consort and the embodiment of self-control and supports all beings, Devi Durga, who is Swaha as well as Swadha. We offer our salutations to you.
Om Maha Kalyai Ca Vidmahe Smasana Vasinyai Ca Dhimahi Tanno Kali Prachodayat
Meaning -Om the great Goddess Kali who stays in the ocean of life and burial grounds, we focus our energies on you, may you grant us our wishes and bless us
Kaalika Kalahey Gorey Paathuthvaam Parameshwari Mandapey Thathra Mathangi Thatha Sowmya Swayamwarey
Meaning -Let the ever charming, mother of the universe, protect us and stay in this mandap and bestow her blessing on us as mother Mathangi.
Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginyadheeshwari Nandgopsutam Devipatim Me Kuru Te Namah
Meaning -Oh Goddess Katyayani, the great vigour of the Lord, the owner of great magical power and the mighty one who controls all, please make the son of Nanda Maharaj my husband. I offer my salutations to you.
Timings
The temple is open from morning 6.00 to evening 6.00.