Poy cholla meyyar Bhadra kali of Moolangudi
By
P.R.Ramachander
Moolangudi village is in the Pudukottai district near Ponnamaravathi. There were a brother sister who were children in this village., they were very close. One day when they were guarding paddy which was put to drying, one villager it seems remarked that they were like husband and wife. This hurt both of them. They left that place wandered here and there and at last hid themselves in a pot of Bhajra. By the time the villagers located them, they had breathed their last. When they were cremated together, their body turned in to ash but nothing happened to their cloths. So they gain put it in the pyre. Still nothing happened. Then they heard a voice from heaven saying that both of them are Gods and would look after the village.
The brother was called Poy Cholla Meyyar(Meyyar who does not tell a lie) and the sister as Seelai Kari Bhadra Kali. But immediately after wards the village started facing lot of problems. Thinking that it is due to Bhadra Kali, the removed the statue from the temple and threw is facing the earth in the forest. Things subsided but once a goatherd found the Kali and turned it to see the sky. The entire village caught fire ,. They then approached Poy Cholla meyyar and prayed to him to pacify his sister. He asked them to bring the statue and consecrate it facing him. The problems of the village disappeared. In this village there was a temple where Ponnan and Brahmar Karuppar were consecrated. They do not have a roof over them. These two gods belonged to a village 25 km from Moolangudi. Once a girl of Moolangudi got married to a boy of that village. When Moolangudi people went to that village after the marriage, they slept in the temple of Ponnan. That night Ponnan came in their dream and asked them to take Him along with them. Then they told him that taking a God from the boy’s place would lead to trouble. But when they assured that they would make Moolangudi prosperous they agreed. They got the symbolic stick from that temple came back and consecrated them in their village. The girl who went in marriage from Moolangudi was sent back. But Karuppar and Ponnan kept their promise and Moolangudi became a very prosperous village.
Ponnan and Karuppar have become the assistant to Poy Cholla meyyar. By the side of Meyyar, two of their horses(statues) are always kept in readiness so that they can start to do any job at any time. People believe that daily night they go to their native village riding on these horses.
Very near Moolangudi there is a Mountain called Vemmalai. There were two Sidha sages on this mountain. After their death they built a temple for them. They were called Mooligai Malayan and Shiva Lingam. They consider that Mooligai Malayaan is Lord Muruga, These villagers used to go on an annual pilgrimage to Pazhani. Once in their absence all their wealth was stolen. After this Mooligai Malayan came in their dreams and told them, that they need not go to Pazhani but come to his temple. Now this custom is followed. Apart from these Gods there are also Karutha Kaliyan and Chinna Karuppu temples in this village.
There is ten day festival for Meyyar in the month of Vaikasi (May-June). During Maha Shivarathri also there is a festival. Once in every five years there is a festival called Avery Padaippu , when animals are sacrificed to Ponnan.
A summarized description of the temples of village Gods of Tamil Nadu and those deities who rule the minds of the simple people living there by P.R.Ramachander
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Samana malai Ayyanar Karuppannachami of Nagamalai
Samana malai Ayyanar Karuppannachami of Nagamalai
By
P.R.Ramachander
The Jain religion was once flourishing in Tamil Nadu near Madurai of Tamil Nadu. There is a mountain there called Samana Malai with several artifacts and inscriptions of that religion. Nagamalai is a village in the foothills of this mountain. There was a famous Ayyanar temple there. There was a temple of Karuppannachami at the mountain top. It seems when Madhurai town was under the occupation of British. , One British General used to go near the meenakshi temple and insult the Goddess. Karuppannachami could not bear this. So he knocked the horse of the general. This started happening daily. One astrologer told him that it was done by Karuppanna Chami of Samanar Malai. He advised him to bring down Karppanna Chami from the mountain and consecrate him near the Ayyanar temple in nagamalai. This was done and the problem disappeared. The general gave land donations to the people who helped him do that. Since this village as well as the neighboring villages of Keezh kuil kudi were in a barren area, there was always famine there. So people of this village went to other villages for jobs. Of them two people went to Karumathur and worked as priests of Moonu Sami temple. After the famine when they were about to return , The Gods Virumappa Chami and Kasi Mayan of Karumathur asked them to take one fist of mud from their temples to their villages. They took the mud and consecrated temples for these Gods near Karuppanna Chami of their village. They also consecrated Kazhuvanathan, Karuppayi Ammn , Irulappan , Changili Karuppannachami etc as security Gods.
Before bringing down Karuppannachami from the mountain, Brahmins used to worship in the Ayyanar temple. But afterwards this was entrusted to the Velars. These people had to come through thick forest to reach this temple from their village Vilacheri. It seems , both while coming in the early morning and going back late at night. ,Karuppaannachami used to accompany them as bears for their protection. These Velars gratefully named their children as “Samanar Malai Karadi (The bear of the jain mountain.”
Every year there is a pavadai festival in the Ayyanar temple , in the month of Margazhi conducted by the Brahmin priests even now. On that day they build a tower made of Pongal with 150 measures of rice.. This is later equally divided among all the houses of the village.
In the month of Purattasi there is a 15 day festival during Purattasi pongal. A muthalammman idol is made of mud , worshipped and later mixed in the local tank. Three horses are also kept every year on behalf of the village. Several goats are also sacrificed.
People of this area do not start any important job without getting permission from this temple.
By
P.R.Ramachander
The Jain religion was once flourishing in Tamil Nadu near Madurai of Tamil Nadu. There is a mountain there called Samana Malai with several artifacts and inscriptions of that religion. Nagamalai is a village in the foothills of this mountain. There was a famous Ayyanar temple there. There was a temple of Karuppannachami at the mountain top. It seems when Madhurai town was under the occupation of British. , One British General used to go near the meenakshi temple and insult the Goddess. Karuppannachami could not bear this. So he knocked the horse of the general. This started happening daily. One astrologer told him that it was done by Karuppanna Chami of Samanar Malai. He advised him to bring down Karppanna Chami from the mountain and consecrate him near the Ayyanar temple in nagamalai. This was done and the problem disappeared. The general gave land donations to the people who helped him do that. Since this village as well as the neighboring villages of Keezh kuil kudi were in a barren area, there was always famine there. So people of this village went to other villages for jobs. Of them two people went to Karumathur and worked as priests of Moonu Sami temple. After the famine when they were about to return , The Gods Virumappa Chami and Kasi Mayan of Karumathur asked them to take one fist of mud from their temples to their villages. They took the mud and consecrated temples for these Gods near Karuppanna Chami of their village. They also consecrated Kazhuvanathan, Karuppayi Ammn , Irulappan , Changili Karuppannachami etc as security Gods.
Before bringing down Karuppannachami from the mountain, Brahmins used to worship in the Ayyanar temple. But afterwards this was entrusted to the Velars. These people had to come through thick forest to reach this temple from their village Vilacheri. It seems , both while coming in the early morning and going back late at night. ,Karuppaannachami used to accompany them as bears for their protection. These Velars gratefully named their children as “Samanar Malai Karadi (The bear of the jain mountain.”
Every year there is a pavadai festival in the Ayyanar temple , in the month of Margazhi conducted by the Brahmin priests even now. On that day they build a tower made of Pongal with 150 measures of rice.. This is later equally divided among all the houses of the village.
In the month of Purattasi there is a 15 day festival during Purattasi pongal. A muthalammman idol is made of mud , worshipped and later mixed in the local tank. Three horses are also kept every year on behalf of the village. Several goats are also sacrificed.
People of this area do not start any important job without getting permission from this temple.
Velappar of Mavuthu
Velappar of Mavuthu
By
P.R.Ramachander
Mavuthu is a village near Theppampatti which is 19 km from Aandipatti of Theni district of Tamil Nadu. Here Velappar temple is situated on a mountain.
This is a tribal village. A tribe called Paliyars used to occupy this village. Once when they were searching for tubers for eating they located a handsome Muruga idol. They consecrated him there itself and started worshipping him as their Kula deivam (Family deity). There is a mango tree near the temple. From below the mango tree water flows as a spring from time immemorial. This spring has never dried. This is called Mavuthu by the villagers.
They believe that all serious ailments of the skin would be cured on taking bath in this spring. This spring water is only used at the temple and given to devotees. Near by there is a karuppanachami temple. The temple can be reached on climbing 167 steps. The Paliyars are priests I this temple.
By
P.R.Ramachander
Mavuthu is a village near Theppampatti which is 19 km from Aandipatti of Theni district of Tamil Nadu. Here Velappar temple is situated on a mountain.
This is a tribal village. A tribe called Paliyars used to occupy this village. Once when they were searching for tubers for eating they located a handsome Muruga idol. They consecrated him there itself and started worshipping him as their Kula deivam (Family deity). There is a mango tree near the temple. From below the mango tree water flows as a spring from time immemorial. This spring has never dried. This is called Mavuthu by the villagers.
They believe that all serious ailments of the skin would be cured on taking bath in this spring. This spring water is only used at the temple and given to devotees. Near by there is a karuppanachami temple. The temple can be reached on climbing 167 steps. The Paliyars are priests I this temple.
Mariyamman of Punnainallur
Mariyamman of Punnainallur
By
P.R.Ramachander
Punnainallur is a small village near the city of Thanjavur. When Chozhas were ruling Thanjavur, a Mariamman temple existed here. But for reasons unknown this temple disappeared.
In the year 1680, Thanjavur was ruled by a Maratha king called Venkoji. He was a great devotee of Samayapuram Mariyamman. Once he reached Samayapuram only at night. So he slept outside the temple. That night Mariamman came in his dream and told that there was no necessity for him to come to Samayapuram as she herself is in Punnainallur, buried in an ant hill. Venkoji rushed to Punnainallur and stated searching for Mariamman. He located the any hill. And started digging for it. He located the statue and built a temple for Mariamman and started worshipping her. After him, this temple again fell in to disuse.
In 1738 another Maratha king Thulaja was ruling Tanjore. His daughter was affected by small pox and lost her eye sight. The king wept in sorrow. That night Mariamman again came in his dream in the form of a small girl and told him about his location. She assured him that she will solve his problem. He located the anthill with the help of a goatherd and started digging there. First he got a palm leaf. It instructed him to build the body of Mariamman with the mud of the ant hill and fix over it the head that is buried there. A great scholar called Sadashiva Brahmendrar helped him. He consecrated the idol as per instruction. As son as his blind daughter was brought o the temple she regained her eye sight. From then on the kings of Tanjore endowed special attention on maintenance of this temple. It is now a huge well maintained temple, blessing all her devotees.
By
P.R.Ramachander
Punnainallur is a small village near the city of Thanjavur. When Chozhas were ruling Thanjavur, a Mariamman temple existed here. But for reasons unknown this temple disappeared.
In the year 1680, Thanjavur was ruled by a Maratha king called Venkoji. He was a great devotee of Samayapuram Mariyamman. Once he reached Samayapuram only at night. So he slept outside the temple. That night Mariamman came in his dream and told that there was no necessity for him to come to Samayapuram as she herself is in Punnainallur, buried in an ant hill. Venkoji rushed to Punnainallur and stated searching for Mariamman. He located the any hill. And started digging for it. He located the statue and built a temple for Mariamman and started worshipping her. After him, this temple again fell in to disuse.
In 1738 another Maratha king Thulaja was ruling Tanjore. His daughter was affected by small pox and lost her eye sight. The king wept in sorrow. That night Mariamman again came in his dream in the form of a small girl and told him about his location. She assured him that she will solve his problem. He located the anthill with the help of a goatherd and started digging there. First he got a palm leaf. It instructed him to build the body of Mariamman with the mud of the ant hill and fix over it the head that is buried there. A great scholar called Sadashiva Brahmendrar helped him. He consecrated the idol as per instruction. As son as his blind daughter was brought o the temple she regained her eye sight. From then on the kings of Tanjore endowed special attention on maintenance of this temple. It is now a huge well maintained temple, blessing all her devotees.
Veppilai Kari of Mangudi
Veppilai Kari of Mangudi
By
P.R.Ramachander
Mangudi is a small village near Thiruvarur of Thanjavur district. Once al the villagers saw a dream in which, the Goddess announced that she is coming to the village. They were all confused as they did not know when and how she will be coming. Again they got a dream in which they were told that the Goddess would be coming by the river. The entire village assembled near the river to welcome her, for several days nothing happened. When they were tired of waiting, one day there was a torrential rain and there was flood in the river. People were singing praises of the Goddess and were waiting the river bank. Then they saw a light floating in the river. Then a small floating platform on which the statue of Kalikambal, a lamp and neem leaves came near them. They made a temporary tent and consecrated the Goddess there. Each family looked after the worship of the Goddess in turns. The village became prosperous and they made the temple in to a tiled building and later in to a permanent temple. Since along with her neem leaves also came, she was called Veppilai Kari.
By
P.R.Ramachander
Mangudi is a small village near Thiruvarur of Thanjavur district. Once al the villagers saw a dream in which, the Goddess announced that she is coming to the village. They were all confused as they did not know when and how she will be coming. Again they got a dream in which they were told that the Goddess would be coming by the river. The entire village assembled near the river to welcome her, for several days nothing happened. When they were tired of waiting, one day there was a torrential rain and there was flood in the river. People were singing praises of the Goddess and were waiting the river bank. Then they saw a light floating in the river. Then a small floating platform on which the statue of Kalikambal, a lamp and neem leaves came near them. They made a temporary tent and consecrated the Goddess there. Each family looked after the worship of the Goddess in turns. The village became prosperous and they made the temple in to a tiled building and later in to a permanent temple. Since along with her neem leaves also came, she was called Veppilai Kari.
Nadiyamman of Pattu Kottai
Nadiyamman of Pattu Kottai
By
P.R.Ramachander
Pattaukottai is in Tanjore district. This place was once upon a time covered with forest .At that time Thanjavur was ruled by Maratha kings One day one of them came for hunting in to this forest. He was surprised to see a very pretty woman in the middle of the forest who was laughing at him loudly. The king followed her. But as soon as he neared her she disappeared in a bush. The king cleared the bush and asked his people to dig the place. There he saw a statue of the Goddess. He consecrated that statue by the priests of the Shiva temple at Pattu Kottai (At that time called Veerama nagar) He entrusted the worship with one priest called Nataraja Pandaram and the job of building the temple to Chinnan Chettiyar. She was called as Nadiyammal as she was satisfying the wishes of people who come to see her.
A slightly different story is also prevalent. It seems the king came for hunting. A rabbit which he was chasing ran and disappeared in the bush. He cleared the bush and started digging that place. When they dug, they saw blood oozing out of the place. Then they did the job with caution and recovered the statue of the Goddess, which they consecrated there.
It seems Chinna Chettiar who was entrusted the job of building the temple, got made a statue of Gold for worshipping in the temple as Uthsava idol.
There is a 12 day festival for the Goddess in the month of Panguni. (march-april) starting on the second Tuesday of the month. In the first Tuesday of the same month, the village celebrates the festival of Ayyanar who is consecrated in a different part of the village. This goes on till the Nadiyamman festival starts. Nadiyamman goes on a chariot to the Srinivasa temple of the village and returns along with gifts from her brother.
By
P.R.Ramachander
Pattaukottai is in Tanjore district. This place was once upon a time covered with forest .At that time Thanjavur was ruled by Maratha kings One day one of them came for hunting in to this forest. He was surprised to see a very pretty woman in the middle of the forest who was laughing at him loudly. The king followed her. But as soon as he neared her she disappeared in a bush. The king cleared the bush and asked his people to dig the place. There he saw a statue of the Goddess. He consecrated that statue by the priests of the Shiva temple at Pattu Kottai (At that time called Veerama nagar) He entrusted the worship with one priest called Nataraja Pandaram and the job of building the temple to Chinnan Chettiyar. She was called as Nadiyammal as she was satisfying the wishes of people who come to see her.
A slightly different story is also prevalent. It seems the king came for hunting. A rabbit which he was chasing ran and disappeared in the bush. He cleared the bush and started digging that place. When they dug, they saw blood oozing out of the place. Then they did the job with caution and recovered the statue of the Goddess, which they consecrated there.
It seems Chinna Chettiar who was entrusted the job of building the temple, got made a statue of Gold for worshipping in the temple as Uthsava idol.
There is a 12 day festival for the Goddess in the month of Panguni. (march-april) starting on the second Tuesday of the month. In the first Tuesday of the same month, the village celebrates the festival of Ayyanar who is consecrated in a different part of the village. This goes on till the Nadiyamman festival starts. Nadiyamman goes on a chariot to the Srinivasa temple of the village and returns along with gifts from her brother.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Kadha Maravar Kali of Keezhkathi
Kadha Maravar Kali of Keezhkathi
By
P.R.Ramachander
Kezhkathi is a very small village six km from Aranthangi of Pudukottai district. Once upon a time two brothers called China Maravar and Periya Maravar lived in this village. After the offering of meat during the festival to Karuppar, they used to share the meat equally. But during one festival, Chinna Maravar took more share saying that Periya Maravar had only a small family. When it happened in the next ear, the wife of Periya Maravar taunted him saying, “I won’t serve you food. Let the village and temple give you food.” Dejected Periya Maravar left the village and reached a far off forest. When he slept there, he was woken up by a small girl, who told him, “Don’t bother, I will help you”. Immediately he vanished. Periya Maravar thought that it was a dream and slept further. When he woke up, he found statue of Kali by his side. He took that statute and reached back his village. His wife received him properly and started treating him well. Periya Maravar consecrated the statue in the village. Suddenly the village started facing lot of problems. The villagers suspected that it was due to the newly installed temple. A magician advised them to install a Adaikkalam Katha Ayyanar temple near by. They did it and afterwards, Kali looked after them well. Since she was brought by periya Maravar, the kali was called Kadha Maravar kali or Katham periyal.
From the beginning her statue was made of mud. Every year the village will make two new idols. People as prayer would offer more. All old statues are removed and kept in the back side. The new ones are installed during the festival in the month of Adi (July-August) or Avani (August-September). Some how for a very long time festival has not taken place in the village.
The main offering to the Kali is offering of a sari. These Saris received are not sold or given to any body. They are bundled up and put in the hall behind the temple. Sin e the temple does no have a roof, these Saris get spoiled.
Another practice in the village is that Women do not do circling round the temple. Another prayer is to keep some money in the lap of Kali and take it back. This money is kept in the house safely. People believe this will protect their wealth. After one year that money is given to the temple and new money taken.
By the side of Kai , there is a Karuppu and near by is the Adaikkalam Katha Ayyanar. Temple. By his side many more sub gods like Chinna Karuppu, Periya Karuppu and12 different Ayyanars. By their side there is another statue of Kadha Maravar Kali.
On Tuesdays and Fridays , there is tremendous rush at the temple. On Fridays of Adi month, special buses run to this temple.
By
P.R.Ramachander
Kezhkathi is a very small village six km from Aranthangi of Pudukottai district. Once upon a time two brothers called China Maravar and Periya Maravar lived in this village. After the offering of meat during the festival to Karuppar, they used to share the meat equally. But during one festival, Chinna Maravar took more share saying that Periya Maravar had only a small family. When it happened in the next ear, the wife of Periya Maravar taunted him saying, “I won’t serve you food. Let the village and temple give you food.” Dejected Periya Maravar left the village and reached a far off forest. When he slept there, he was woken up by a small girl, who told him, “Don’t bother, I will help you”. Immediately he vanished. Periya Maravar thought that it was a dream and slept further. When he woke up, he found statue of Kali by his side. He took that statute and reached back his village. His wife received him properly and started treating him well. Periya Maravar consecrated the statue in the village. Suddenly the village started facing lot of problems. The villagers suspected that it was due to the newly installed temple. A magician advised them to install a Adaikkalam Katha Ayyanar temple near by. They did it and afterwards, Kali looked after them well. Since she was brought by periya Maravar, the kali was called Kadha Maravar kali or Katham periyal.
From the beginning her statue was made of mud. Every year the village will make two new idols. People as prayer would offer more. All old statues are removed and kept in the back side. The new ones are installed during the festival in the month of Adi (July-August) or Avani (August-September). Some how for a very long time festival has not taken place in the village.
The main offering to the Kali is offering of a sari. These Saris received are not sold or given to any body. They are bundled up and put in the hall behind the temple. Sin e the temple does no have a roof, these Saris get spoiled.
Another practice in the village is that Women do not do circling round the temple. Another prayer is to keep some money in the lap of Kali and take it back. This money is kept in the house safely. People believe this will protect their wealth. After one year that money is given to the temple and new money taken.
By the side of Kai , there is a Karuppu and near by is the Adaikkalam Katha Ayyanar. Temple. By his side many more sub gods like Chinna Karuppu, Periya Karuppu and12 different Ayyanars. By their side there is another statue of Kadha Maravar Kali.
On Tuesdays and Fridays , there is tremendous rush at the temple. On Fridays of Adi month, special buses run to this temple.
Sudalai Madan of Seevalapperi
Sudalai Madan of Seevalapperi
By
P.R.Ramachander
Seevalapperi is a village which 1s 12 km from Palayamkottai of Tirunelveli district. The temple of Sudalai Madan is located there.
When Lord Subrahmanya left Kailasa and settled down in Pazhani, Goddess Parvathi wanted another child. Lord Shiva asked her to her near the Emerald pillar lighting an ever shining lamp. She started doing it. When the luster of the lamp reduced Lord Shiva pushed the wick little. Then three sparks of the light fell in the lap of Goddess Parvathi. They became a mass of flesh. Then she prayed Lord Brahma who made the piece of flesh in to a child. This child was called Chudalai. It grew up. But the child was voraciously hungry and started going at night to burial grounds and eat the corpses. One day Goddess Parvathi noticed the smell of the corpse from the baby. When she told this to Lord Shiva, he became very angry and asked her to send out the boy from Kailasa. She sent the boy along 21 measures (kottai) of cooked rice, a preparation using drum stick and sent the baby along with Vana Pechi.
The child reached Seevalaperi on the banks of Thamra parni. It liked the place. But he was very hungry. So one day the God approached Masanam a goat herd and asked him to give goat milk after milking a particular goat. Masanam told that, that particular goat was barren. When Sudalai Madan insisted, he milked and to his surprise got lots of milk, which Sudalai Madan drank. , He then drew a wheel on the toungue of Masanam. He also promised him that he would come and solve all the problems when called by Masanam.
Masanam went to Shiva giri and learned Religion as well as yoga and returned after several years. In the place where he saw Sudalai Madan, there was a Shiva Linga. People called Masanam as Vala Guru Sannasi and entrusted the worship of God to him. He and his clan started worshipping Sudalai Madan. Though he initially worshipped the Shiva lingam, later they made a statue of Sudalai Madan with four hands. Besides him they also consecrated Vana Pechi and Bramara Shakthi. Just outside the temple there is a Pudhia chami ( Sudalai Madan after giving shape by Lord Brahma) . Behind him is a stone without shape called Munda Sami. About half a km from this temple, there is a temple of Vala Guru Sannasi in the form of a linga. This is the place where he was buried after death. The Abhisheka to Sudalai Madan is done twice with water from the river Thamra Parni. When offerings are made to Sudalai Madan, a part is taken to Vala Guru Sannasi temple and offered to him.
Another strange custom in this temple is that the Prasada in this temple is the mud from the burial ground of the village which is 2 km from the temple.
People believe that this prasada is a cure for all and fulfiller of all wishes.
On Thai poosam day pongal is made and offered to Vala Guru Sannasi and later distributed.
On the last day of Panguni (march-april) there is a big festival in the Sudalai Madan temple. The dress for the God is brought from the Vala Guru Sannasi temple. It is believed that Vala Guru Sannasi worships the God that day. Next day the Gods wear the silver dresses and the Chamiyadi of Sudalai Madan goes in to a trance. He runs to the cremation ground of Brahmins searches for corpses and not getting it he runs back to the temple. There a black sheep is sacrificed. He drinks its blood. He also drinks the blood of other goats which are offered to the temple.
Then 21measuresof rice is cooked along with eggs , chicken etc and offered to the Gods. Then the Gods are worshiped. Sudalai Madan is also offered Cigars, alcohol etc.
People pray for their welfare and disperse.
By
P.R.Ramachander
Seevalapperi is a village which 1s 12 km from Palayamkottai of Tirunelveli district. The temple of Sudalai Madan is located there.
When Lord Subrahmanya left Kailasa and settled down in Pazhani, Goddess Parvathi wanted another child. Lord Shiva asked her to her near the Emerald pillar lighting an ever shining lamp. She started doing it. When the luster of the lamp reduced Lord Shiva pushed the wick little. Then three sparks of the light fell in the lap of Goddess Parvathi. They became a mass of flesh. Then she prayed Lord Brahma who made the piece of flesh in to a child. This child was called Chudalai. It grew up. But the child was voraciously hungry and started going at night to burial grounds and eat the corpses. One day Goddess Parvathi noticed the smell of the corpse from the baby. When she told this to Lord Shiva, he became very angry and asked her to send out the boy from Kailasa. She sent the boy along 21 measures (kottai) of cooked rice, a preparation using drum stick and sent the baby along with Vana Pechi.
The child reached Seevalaperi on the banks of Thamra parni. It liked the place. But he was very hungry. So one day the God approached Masanam a goat herd and asked him to give goat milk after milking a particular goat. Masanam told that, that particular goat was barren. When Sudalai Madan insisted, he milked and to his surprise got lots of milk, which Sudalai Madan drank. , He then drew a wheel on the toungue of Masanam. He also promised him that he would come and solve all the problems when called by Masanam.
Masanam went to Shiva giri and learned Religion as well as yoga and returned after several years. In the place where he saw Sudalai Madan, there was a Shiva Linga. People called Masanam as Vala Guru Sannasi and entrusted the worship of God to him. He and his clan started worshipping Sudalai Madan. Though he initially worshipped the Shiva lingam, later they made a statue of Sudalai Madan with four hands. Besides him they also consecrated Vana Pechi and Bramara Shakthi. Just outside the temple there is a Pudhia chami ( Sudalai Madan after giving shape by Lord Brahma) . Behind him is a stone without shape called Munda Sami. About half a km from this temple, there is a temple of Vala Guru Sannasi in the form of a linga. This is the place where he was buried after death. The Abhisheka to Sudalai Madan is done twice with water from the river Thamra Parni. When offerings are made to Sudalai Madan, a part is taken to Vala Guru Sannasi temple and offered to him.
Another strange custom in this temple is that the Prasada in this temple is the mud from the burial ground of the village which is 2 km from the temple.
People believe that this prasada is a cure for all and fulfiller of all wishes.
On Thai poosam day pongal is made and offered to Vala Guru Sannasi and later distributed.
On the last day of Panguni (march-april) there is a big festival in the Sudalai Madan temple. The dress for the God is brought from the Vala Guru Sannasi temple. It is believed that Vala Guru Sannasi worships the God that day. Next day the Gods wear the silver dresses and the Chamiyadi of Sudalai Madan goes in to a trance. He runs to the cremation ground of Brahmins searches for corpses and not getting it he runs back to the temple. There a black sheep is sacrificed. He drinks its blood. He also drinks the blood of other goats which are offered to the temple.
Then 21measuresof rice is cooked along with eggs , chicken etc and offered to the Gods. Then the Gods are worshiped. Sudalai Madan is also offered Cigars, alcohol etc.
People pray for their welfare and disperse.
Koodamudayar of Kalayar kurichi
Koodamudayar of Kalayar kurichi
By
P.R.Ramachander
Kalayarkurichi is a village which is 20 km from Sivakasi of Virudhunagar district. The Arjuna River and Sarawathi River merge in to one near this village. These start from the Chaturagiri Mountain. There was a group of people who were rearing cattle on the Chaturagiri Mountain. Lord Shiva wanted to play with them. So he took the form of a calf and drank the milk of all cows. The people were wonderstruck. So they decided to watch as to what is happening. They saw this strange calf and started chasing it. Lord Shiva hid in a pot of cooked rice. He then asked Varuna to create huge rains and flood. This pot floated in the flood and reached the Arjuna river of Kalayar kurichi. There it broke. Lord Shiva hid himself inside the mud there. During those times there was a village called Kovil patti very near to this spot. Yadava people who look after cows were more in that village. Once one man was leading his cows by the spot where Shiva was buried. Lord Shiva knocked his leg and he fell down. When next day also the same thing happened, that man told his friend Muthukaruppan Chettiar about it. Both of them dug at the place. First milk came flowing and then blood. So they immediately closed the place with a basket. After some time when they tried to open it, they found that a Shiva lingam has grown inside the Basket. God entered Chettiar’s body and he told the villagers that that he is Koodalingam and should be worshipped. They went and told about this to the villagers of Kovil Patti. They did not believe Chettiar and his friend. Enraged by this Lord Shiva turned all the cows and calves of the village in to stone. The villagers rushed to the spot and asked pardon from the God. Then God again made the cows and calves normal. The people then built a temple for Lord Shiva and called him as Koodamudayan. Muthu karuppan Chettiyar and his descendents became the priests of this temple.
After some years another group of people of Kovilpatti started troubling the people who built the temple. They drove them out of the village and chased them. The Lord Shiva then made a path in the flooded river and these people reached the other shore. These people then built a temple for Koodamudayan at the spot where they reached the other shore of the river. Lord Shiva faces the east seeing the river. They also have an installed an Ayyanar along with Pushkala and poorna facing north. This Ayyanar is called Koodamudaya Ayyanar. Apart from this there are Verrabhadran, Chinnakaruppu, Periyakaruppu, Pechi, Rakachi, Ottai Karuppachami, Ladan, Sannasi, Kali, Durgai, Vettai aruppuchami and Agni Karuppuchami idols inside the temple.
Just at the entrance is the idol of Chethur Muthayya. He is the guardian God of this temple. There is an interesting story about him. This Muthayya was a Youngman living in Chethur a near by village. He fell in love with the queen of Chethur and kidnapped her. The king caught him, took him to Chaturagiri mountain and beheaded him. The ghost of Mutthayya used to daily take the queen at night and bring her back in the morning. The king announced a reward of 300 gold coins to the one who imprisons the ghost. Muthu karuppan Chettiyar who was the priest of Koodamudayar temple promised the ghost the last worship of the temple every day. Muthaya agreed and then became a part of the temple. The king gave 300 gold coins to the Chettiar and sent some six soldiers to kill Chettiyar and bring back the money. Chettiar who knew magic made five of them to keep on uprooting the grass and made one of them go and inform the king. The king came and begged the pardon of Chettiyar. From that time, the first worship in Koodamudayar temple on Shiva Rathri is in the name of Chethur king.
People believe that by praying this God all their requests would be fulfilled. The festival is three days during Shiva Rathri. Animal sacrifices are done to the Karuppus. There is also festival for two days during Adi Amavasya. Similarly there is a festival in Vaikasi Visakham, once in every three years, People of the village who has migrated to different parts of Tamil Nadu, come in bullock carts and stay near the temple for a week. It seems about 500 carts come every year.
By
P.R.Ramachander
Kalayarkurichi is a village which is 20 km from Sivakasi of Virudhunagar district. The Arjuna River and Sarawathi River merge in to one near this village. These start from the Chaturagiri Mountain. There was a group of people who were rearing cattle on the Chaturagiri Mountain. Lord Shiva wanted to play with them. So he took the form of a calf and drank the milk of all cows. The people were wonderstruck. So they decided to watch as to what is happening. They saw this strange calf and started chasing it. Lord Shiva hid in a pot of cooked rice. He then asked Varuna to create huge rains and flood. This pot floated in the flood and reached the Arjuna river of Kalayar kurichi. There it broke. Lord Shiva hid himself inside the mud there. During those times there was a village called Kovil patti very near to this spot. Yadava people who look after cows were more in that village. Once one man was leading his cows by the spot where Shiva was buried. Lord Shiva knocked his leg and he fell down. When next day also the same thing happened, that man told his friend Muthukaruppan Chettiar about it. Both of them dug at the place. First milk came flowing and then blood. So they immediately closed the place with a basket. After some time when they tried to open it, they found that a Shiva lingam has grown inside the Basket. God entered Chettiar’s body and he told the villagers that that he is Koodalingam and should be worshipped. They went and told about this to the villagers of Kovil Patti. They did not believe Chettiar and his friend. Enraged by this Lord Shiva turned all the cows and calves of the village in to stone. The villagers rushed to the spot and asked pardon from the God. Then God again made the cows and calves normal. The people then built a temple for Lord Shiva and called him as Koodamudayan. Muthu karuppan Chettiyar and his descendents became the priests of this temple.
After some years another group of people of Kovilpatti started troubling the people who built the temple. They drove them out of the village and chased them. The Lord Shiva then made a path in the flooded river and these people reached the other shore. These people then built a temple for Koodamudayan at the spot where they reached the other shore of the river. Lord Shiva faces the east seeing the river. They also have an installed an Ayyanar along with Pushkala and poorna facing north. This Ayyanar is called Koodamudaya Ayyanar. Apart from this there are Verrabhadran, Chinnakaruppu, Periyakaruppu, Pechi, Rakachi, Ottai Karuppachami, Ladan, Sannasi, Kali, Durgai, Vettai aruppuchami and Agni Karuppuchami idols inside the temple.
Just at the entrance is the idol of Chethur Muthayya. He is the guardian God of this temple. There is an interesting story about him. This Muthayya was a Youngman living in Chethur a near by village. He fell in love with the queen of Chethur and kidnapped her. The king caught him, took him to Chaturagiri mountain and beheaded him. The ghost of Mutthayya used to daily take the queen at night and bring her back in the morning. The king announced a reward of 300 gold coins to the one who imprisons the ghost. Muthu karuppan Chettiyar who was the priest of Koodamudayar temple promised the ghost the last worship of the temple every day. Muthaya agreed and then became a part of the temple. The king gave 300 gold coins to the Chettiar and sent some six soldiers to kill Chettiyar and bring back the money. Chettiar who knew magic made five of them to keep on uprooting the grass and made one of them go and inform the king. The king came and begged the pardon of Chettiyar. From that time, the first worship in Koodamudayar temple on Shiva Rathri is in the name of Chethur king.
People believe that by praying this God all their requests would be fulfilled. The festival is three days during Shiva Rathri. Animal sacrifices are done to the Karuppus. There is also festival for two days during Adi Amavasya. Similarly there is a festival in Vaikasi Visakham, once in every three years, People of the village who has migrated to different parts of Tamil Nadu, come in bullock carts and stay near the temple for a week. It seems about 500 carts come every year.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Malai Karuppu Chami of Kattupalayam
Malai Karuppu Chami of Kattupalayam
By
P.R.Ramachander
Kattupalayam is a small village neighboring the forests of Andhiyoor of Erode District. Once upon a time lived a rich man in the village called Vellaya Gounder. Vellaya Gounder was very devoted and used to go daily in side the forest to do Yogic practices. One day while walking in the forests, He was suddenly arrested by a power. Some how he came back. But this kept on recurring. He thought that some powerful God was present at that spot. He told about this to other villagers. He took some mud from that spot and made a statue of Karuppu and started worshipping it. He started being at that spot without food and sleep. He used to clear the doubts of villagers when they went to the forest. Later he died at hat spot. People buried him and built his mud statue, called it as “Thavasiyappan” and started worshipping that God also. When this was going on, some villagers told that Muni was present in another spot at the forest. They also built a statue for Muniyappan.
The local villagers believed that Thavasiappan and other Gods are doing meditation. So no bell or other sound is made any where near the temple. In Thavasiyappan’s temple, there is a stone called Annaparai. The priests of the temple go to the forests nearby, bring some herbs, grind it on Annaparai and extract its juice. This juice is distributed as medicine on all Tuesdays and Fridays. People believe that this medicine can cure all diseases especially the diseases of women. There is a huge rush in the temple on these days.
People also bring copper and tin plates and give it to the priest of Thavasiappan Temple. The priest puts it behind the idol and returns back a piece to hem after five weeks. People wear this plate as a Talisman.
People affected by spirits are also brought to this temple. After they live here for some time they are also cured.
Though the three temples are not at the same place people of the village believe that they are the same God. On the Tuesday of third week of Chithirai month (April-May). Pongal is offered to Thavasiyappan. And a big worship is done throughout night. Next day animals are sacrificed to Malai Karuppu Chami, which is followed by a great feast during these worships Bells are rung and drums are played.
By
P.R.Ramachander
Kattupalayam is a small village neighboring the forests of Andhiyoor of Erode District. Once upon a time lived a rich man in the village called Vellaya Gounder. Vellaya Gounder was very devoted and used to go daily in side the forest to do Yogic practices. One day while walking in the forests, He was suddenly arrested by a power. Some how he came back. But this kept on recurring. He thought that some powerful God was present at that spot. He told about this to other villagers. He took some mud from that spot and made a statue of Karuppu and started worshipping it. He started being at that spot without food and sleep. He used to clear the doubts of villagers when they went to the forest. Later he died at hat spot. People buried him and built his mud statue, called it as “Thavasiyappan” and started worshipping that God also. When this was going on, some villagers told that Muni was present in another spot at the forest. They also built a statue for Muniyappan.
The local villagers believed that Thavasiappan and other Gods are doing meditation. So no bell or other sound is made any where near the temple. In Thavasiyappan’s temple, there is a stone called Annaparai. The priests of the temple go to the forests nearby, bring some herbs, grind it on Annaparai and extract its juice. This juice is distributed as medicine on all Tuesdays and Fridays. People believe that this medicine can cure all diseases especially the diseases of women. There is a huge rush in the temple on these days.
People also bring copper and tin plates and give it to the priest of Thavasiappan Temple. The priest puts it behind the idol and returns back a piece to hem after five weeks. People wear this plate as a Talisman.
People affected by spirits are also brought to this temple. After they live here for some time they are also cured.
Though the three temples are not at the same place people of the village believe that they are the same God. On the Tuesday of third week of Chithirai month (April-May). Pongal is offered to Thavasiyappan. And a big worship is done throughout night. Next day animals are sacrificed to Malai Karuppu Chami, which is followed by a great feast during these worships Bells are rung and drums are played.
Vendimuthu Karuppu of v. Kallapatti
Vendimuthu Karuppu of v. Kallapatti
By
P.R.Ramachander
V.kallapatti is a small village near Usilampatti of Madhurai district. There is a big artificial lake there… There was a person called Vendimuthu who was in Chettinad worshipping Malayala Karuppu. After his death, his children did not bother about it. So Karuppu started troubling them. Then with the help of magician they tied Karuppu in chains. One day he broke those chains and reached V. Kallapatti. At that time the bank of lake breached and villagers repaired it with lot of effort. Karuppu breached the bank gain. When this continued for two days, the villagers kept vigil at night. And they caught Karuppu. Karuppu told them he was a god and of they sacrificed Goats and made him happy, he would look after the lake. They immediately did it and continue to do it. After that till today the banks of the lake have not breeched. Since Vendimuthu was worshipping this Karuppu, he is known as Vendimuthu Karuppu. The villager built a temple for him. Behind the temple there is a big banyan tree. Before beginning any new venture or before deciding any thing important in the family the villagers come to this temple and ask Karuppu’s permission. Permission is signaled by the sound of a lizard.
In the month of Masi there is a three day Kalari festival in this temple.
By
P.R.Ramachander
V.kallapatti is a small village near Usilampatti of Madhurai district. There is a big artificial lake there… There was a person called Vendimuthu who was in Chettinad worshipping Malayala Karuppu. After his death, his children did not bother about it. So Karuppu started troubling them. Then with the help of magician they tied Karuppu in chains. One day he broke those chains and reached V. Kallapatti. At that time the bank of lake breached and villagers repaired it with lot of effort. Karuppu breached the bank gain. When this continued for two days, the villagers kept vigil at night. And they caught Karuppu. Karuppu told them he was a god and of they sacrificed Goats and made him happy, he would look after the lake. They immediately did it and continue to do it. After that till today the banks of the lake have not breeched. Since Vendimuthu was worshipping this Karuppu, he is known as Vendimuthu Karuppu. The villager built a temple for him. Behind the temple there is a big banyan tree. Before beginning any new venture or before deciding any thing important in the family the villagers come to this temple and ask Karuppu’s permission. Permission is signaled by the sound of a lizard.
In the month of Masi there is a three day Kalari festival in this temple.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Theepayntha Nachiyar of Bhoothangudi
Theepayntha Nachiyar of Bhoothangudi
By
P.R.Ramachander
Bhoothangudi is a small village near Vadalur of Cudalore district. This is mainly populated by a caste known as Chethiyar. They were soldiers of Chozha kingdom. Usually during peace, they cultivate the land and hunt animals in the forest. Once when several Chethiyars went hunting, they saw a girl weeping in the forest. One of the Chethiyars brought her back. Attracted by her the entire village considered her as their daughter. When she was about eleven, her foster father died and was cremated. This girl also wanted to be cremated in a separate pyre along with him. Though people refused, they agreed as she was insisting on it. That girl coconut tied Thali Lime fruit and betel leaf which are holy things in her cloth while jumping on the fire. She also told the villagers that she would take care of the villagers. After her live cremation, the people were surprised to find that all the holy things she carried to the pyre were fresh and not burnt. So they understood that she was a goddess . Chethiyars consider her as their clan Goddess and she continuously protects them. There is a rare tree called Yer Azhinji near her temple. People wanting babies will tie a cradle on the tree, put a baby toy in it and rock the cradle. Once they get the child they offer the child’s first hair to the Goddess. People consider as incarnation of Goddess Sita. In her temple God Chakra(Holy wheel of Vishnu), Lord Ayyappan, Nava Grahas surrounding the slippers of Lord Rama are also there.
The poovaraga Swamy of Sri Mushnam comes and stays at this temple during Masi Magam while going to the beach for sea bath. During Nava Rathri and all Fridays in the month of Adi there are special worships in this temple.
Since this temple is by the side of the high way all drivers do not forget to salute this goddess while traveling.. New vehicles are also brought here for special worship.
By
P.R.Ramachander
Bhoothangudi is a small village near Vadalur of Cudalore district. This is mainly populated by a caste known as Chethiyar. They were soldiers of Chozha kingdom. Usually during peace, they cultivate the land and hunt animals in the forest. Once when several Chethiyars went hunting, they saw a girl weeping in the forest. One of the Chethiyars brought her back. Attracted by her the entire village considered her as their daughter. When she was about eleven, her foster father died and was cremated. This girl also wanted to be cremated in a separate pyre along with him. Though people refused, they agreed as she was insisting on it. That girl coconut tied Thali Lime fruit and betel leaf which are holy things in her cloth while jumping on the fire. She also told the villagers that she would take care of the villagers. After her live cremation, the people were surprised to find that all the holy things she carried to the pyre were fresh and not burnt. So they understood that she was a goddess . Chethiyars consider her as their clan Goddess and she continuously protects them. There is a rare tree called Yer Azhinji near her temple. People wanting babies will tie a cradle on the tree, put a baby toy in it and rock the cradle. Once they get the child they offer the child’s first hair to the Goddess. People consider as incarnation of Goddess Sita. In her temple God Chakra(Holy wheel of Vishnu), Lord Ayyappan, Nava Grahas surrounding the slippers of Lord Rama are also there.
The poovaraga Swamy of Sri Mushnam comes and stays at this temple during Masi Magam while going to the beach for sea bath. During Nava Rathri and all Fridays in the month of Adi there are special worships in this temple.
Since this temple is by the side of the high way all drivers do not forget to salute this goddess while traveling.. New vehicles are also brought here for special worship.
Idamalai Mahalinga Maya Karuppu of Vatthalakundu
Idamalai Mahalinga Maya Karuppu of Vatthalakundu
By
P.R.Ramachander
Vathalakundu is a small town in Dindukkal district. This temple is situated there. But this Maya Karuppu originally came from a tribal village called Ettur kotta kudi of Theni district. Though the people worshipped this god there, they did not do it properly. So Maya Karuppu started troubling them. So they made a basket with cane and put Maya Karuppu and his 21 assistant Gods including Chinna Karuppu, Munnodi Karuppu, Kazhu udayan, Kanavay Karuppu, Alathikkari etc and floated the basket in the river. When it reached Kattakaman Patti, it was seen by a Brahmin, who took it home. That night, he heard jingling sound of anklets and Maya Karuppu told him that they were Gods who drink blood of Animals and so he should be restored to the mountain. Next day the Brahmin took Karuppu and placed him in a mountain near the river. He gave all the assistant Gods to along with the cane box to the Back ward caste people of old Vattalakundu. Since the Maya Karuppu chose the mountain, he was called Idamalai Mahalinga Maya Karuppu. On the mountain there is only a wall which is worshipped as Maya Karuppu. However they have drawn a picture of the Karuppu. The assistant Gods
Also have small walls by his side. Only Chinna Karuppar has a statue.
The Kalari festival being held in the month of July-august is the most important festival for Idamalai Karuppu. In the first Friday of Adi month, all the villagers assemble before Idamalai Karuppu temple and ask his permission to conduct the festival. If the lizard from left side of the temple makes sound then, that year no festival is held. But if the lizard on the right side makes sound, immediate preparations for a great festival are started. Next Friday the entire village and all the houses in it are cleaned up and offer Pongal to the God in a new pot. That evening 21 Chamiyadis representing all the Gods who came floating in the box, go to the river where this box was found. Before them all the prayer needs like bells pots etc are taken out from the village house where they are kept and carried on head. After the bells pots etc are washed the concerned God enters the 21 Chamiyadis. People fall at their feet and ask questions. All questions are answered. After keeping the bell and other things in the temple that days festival comes to an end. On the next Friday around 5 in the evening , all the statues are taken out , anointed with oil and then worshipped. After the worship, the statues are again kept in the box and then the box locked. That night again the 21 chamiyadis are called. Only the Chamiyadi of Chinna karuppu stands on a five feet long sickle held by four or five people . Then all of them start towards ida malai. As soon as they reach ida malai, pongal is prepared in three pots. ,Later they call Maya Karuppu and ask him different questions. At some Maya Karuppu tells the people that he is hungry. The sacrifice of goats starts then. The blood of all these goats is drunk by the Chamiyadi of Maya Karuppu. At the dawn when this procedure is over Maya Karuppu tells them that he will take care of their interests. Afterwards there would be a great feast using the meat of the goats sacrificed.
One prayer at this temple is to pat rupees twenty one and ask Maya Karuppu to take revenge on a particular person. People also pray for children and curing of diseases.
By
P.R.Ramachander
Vathalakundu is a small town in Dindukkal district. This temple is situated there. But this Maya Karuppu originally came from a tribal village called Ettur kotta kudi of Theni district. Though the people worshipped this god there, they did not do it properly. So Maya Karuppu started troubling them. So they made a basket with cane and put Maya Karuppu and his 21 assistant Gods including Chinna Karuppu, Munnodi Karuppu, Kazhu udayan, Kanavay Karuppu, Alathikkari etc and floated the basket in the river. When it reached Kattakaman Patti, it was seen by a Brahmin, who took it home. That night, he heard jingling sound of anklets and Maya Karuppu told him that they were Gods who drink blood of Animals and so he should be restored to the mountain. Next day the Brahmin took Karuppu and placed him in a mountain near the river. He gave all the assistant Gods to along with the cane box to the Back ward caste people of old Vattalakundu. Since the Maya Karuppu chose the mountain, he was called Idamalai Mahalinga Maya Karuppu. On the mountain there is only a wall which is worshipped as Maya Karuppu. However they have drawn a picture of the Karuppu. The assistant Gods
Also have small walls by his side. Only Chinna Karuppar has a statue.
The Kalari festival being held in the month of July-august is the most important festival for Idamalai Karuppu. In the first Friday of Adi month, all the villagers assemble before Idamalai Karuppu temple and ask his permission to conduct the festival. If the lizard from left side of the temple makes sound then, that year no festival is held. But if the lizard on the right side makes sound, immediate preparations for a great festival are started. Next Friday the entire village and all the houses in it are cleaned up and offer Pongal to the God in a new pot. That evening 21 Chamiyadis representing all the Gods who came floating in the box, go to the river where this box was found. Before them all the prayer needs like bells pots etc are taken out from the village house where they are kept and carried on head. After the bells pots etc are washed the concerned God enters the 21 Chamiyadis. People fall at their feet and ask questions. All questions are answered. After keeping the bell and other things in the temple that days festival comes to an end. On the next Friday around 5 in the evening , all the statues are taken out , anointed with oil and then worshipped. After the worship, the statues are again kept in the box and then the box locked. That night again the 21 chamiyadis are called. Only the Chamiyadi of Chinna karuppu stands on a five feet long sickle held by four or five people . Then all of them start towards ida malai. As soon as they reach ida malai, pongal is prepared in three pots. ,Later they call Maya Karuppu and ask him different questions. At some Maya Karuppu tells the people that he is hungry. The sacrifice of goats starts then. The blood of all these goats is drunk by the Chamiyadi of Maya Karuppu. At the dawn when this procedure is over Maya Karuppu tells them that he will take care of their interests. Afterwards there would be a great feast using the meat of the goats sacrificed.
One prayer at this temple is to pat rupees twenty one and ask Maya Karuppu to take revenge on a particular person. People also pray for children and curing of diseases.
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