Kottai Mariamman Temple

Overview

Kottai Mariamman Temple is located in Dharapuram in Tirupur, Tamilnadu. Mother Parasakthi is considered as the mother of the entire world. She is manifested in nine forms as 1. Vana Durga 2. Sulini Durga 3. Jada Vedha Durga 4. Jwala Durga 5. Shanthi Durga 6. Sabari Durga 7. Deepa Durga 8. Asuri Durga 9. Lavana Durga.

All the above are the manifestation of mother Durga, though she has nine forms she is one and the same. Such a powerful goddess mother Parasakthi has manifested herself as ‘Mahamariamman’ in this temple she gives her blessings and boons to all those who seek her.

About The Temple

Mariamman in this temple is swayambu in separate shrine. In additional two swayambu Ambal is placed, left and right to main swayambu Mariamman. This makes grace in the temple. There are shrines for Kasi Vinayaka, Balamurugan, Nagar, Karupparayar and Kannimar in the prakara of the temple. All three Shaktis – Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi grace in the temple.

Legend and Stories

A farmer living in this region was a staunch Shakti devotee. He was rearing cows. Keeping some quantity of milk for his family use, he used to give the excess milk to children of the place. He could not get milk from one cow. Suspecting that someone was stealing its milk, he closely observed the cow and found that it was pouring its milk at a spot. When he went near, he found a light at the spot. Goddess appeared in his dream and told him that she was there. The farmer informed the matter to the villagers.

All the people gathered there and found the idol of Goddess and built the temple. Besides the Swayambu Goddess, there were also other two such swayambus. It is said that the three represent the main Goddesses – Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. Amman on the right side is white in colour. There is also a Mariamman here as a child. There is a face on her belly too wearing a crown. It is explained that the Goddess holds the demon she destroyed.

Tippu Sultan built his fortress here only for his army. Fort in Tamil means Kottai; hence the Ambal is named Kottai Mariamman. The Goddess is also known as Koteeswari Mari.

History

Puli Suttappattan kal (Hero Stone)

This is the only place where Puli Suttappattan Kal is found in entire Tamilnadu. Once, a fierce tiger was creating chaos to the citizens. The tiger was killed by a valiant warrior. During the fight, he too lost his life. To commemorate his sacrifice, a Nadukal (Hero Stone in memory of warrior who lost lives for the people – ancient custom practiced by Tamils) placed mentioning the Bravery of the warrior. Descendants of this warrior are still worshipping this Nadukal.

The history of this stone is more than 500 years old. It has been traced that the engravings belong to period of the Vinayagar Kingdom and Madurai nayakkars. This Nadukal is located in this Temple premises and adds glory to this temple.

Tippu Sultan Fort

This place was in a dense forest and a strong fortress .Historians believe that Tipu sultan, the king of Mysore had built a fort here, while going by this way, so this temple is called ’Devathai kottai’. No traces of fort are visible today.

Festivals

Purattasi Navarathri in September-October, Chitra Poornima in April-May,Vasantha Utsav (summer festival) in Vaikasi (May-June), Aani Tirumanjanam in June-July, Tirukarthikai in November-December and Aadi Fridays are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Devotees seek the permission of the Goddess through flowers before planning any function in their homes and before starting a business. Couples pray here for eternal conjugal unity. Majority of the devotees pray for cure from measles.

Thanks Giving

Realizing their boons, devotees perform abishek to the Goddess, contribute to the temple depending on their means and arrange feeding (Annadhanam).

How To Reach Sri Kottai Mariamman Temple,Tirupur

Air

The nearest airport is at Coimbatore Airport.

Rail

The nearest railway is at Tirupur.

Road

The temple is near the new bus stand. The temple can be reached from the old bus stand getting down at Pichampalayam.

Temple Address

Sri Kottai Mariamman Temple,
34, 5th St, Chellappapuram, Renganatha Puram,
Tirupur District, Tamil Nadu, Pincode - 641604.