Pulvanaayagi Amman Temple

Overview

Pulvanayaki Temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. It is located in Paganeri, Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, India.

About The Temple

There is a panchaloka (made of five metals) idol of Mother Chamundeeswari in a furious form which she took while destroying a demon. As Her look cannot be absorbed by humans, the idol is kept in the sanctum sanctorum. The Goddess is brought out in procession only on a festival in Aani month (June July). To protect the people from her view, the eyes are set to look at the ground only. Newly wedded couples and pregnant woman would be allowed to see the deity in procession.

Jallikattu is followed as a prayer commitment in the temple. The spring before the temple is considered very sacred as it contains a creature as insects or germs. This has a strange characteristic of becoming a stone in course of time called Saligrama. Hence a dip in the tank is a must.

Agni Ambal – Goddess of Fire is under the sacred tree Neikotta tree in the form of a Peeta-seat. Devotees worship Her with Kumkum and turmeric.

Legend and Stories

A proud demon, with a fund of boons acquired by him, was harassing people on earth. People prayed to Lord Shiva for protection. Lord planned to kill the demon through Ambica. When Ambica covered the eyes of the Lord with Her hands as a joke, She had to be born on earth. She fought with the demon who played many magic to conquer the mother. He took the form of a grass to cheat the mother, but was swallowed by Her taking the form of a deer. People were happy to see the deer but could not go near, as it ran away and hid in the ground. People dug the place and found the idol of Mother. Pulvai in Tamil means deer. Hence, mother is so named. A temple came into being. The temple is under the administration of Sivaganga Samsthan Devasthanam.

Festivals

Purattasi Navarathri in September-October, Aadi Fridays in July-August and Thai Fridays in January-February are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Persons hurt by others unjustly seek the grace of Mother by embracing the Kodimaram in the temple.

Thanks Giving

Devotees on realizing their wishes execute their prayer commitment in a novel way. During the festivals in the temple, they organize Jallikattu (bull fight) and fulfill their commitment. The practice still exists.

How To Reach Sri Pulvanayaki Temple, Paganeri

Air

The nearest airport is at Madurai Airport.

Rail

The nearest railway station is at Manamadurai Railway Station.

Road

Madagupatti is 24 km from Sivaganga. Paganeri is 6 km from Madagupatti. Buses are available only at specific hours.

Temple Address

Sri Pulvanayaki Temple,
Kalinga Nagar, Paganeri,
Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu,
Pincode - 630558.