How to Worship Melmaruvathur Adiparasakthi?

Melmaruvathur

is roughly 92 km from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. Here, one can find the Arulmigu Adiparasakthi Siddhar Peetam, a renowned temple for the Divine Mother. Tamil Nadu is where 21 Siddhars (male and female saints of different faiths) had their Jeeva-Samadhis, that is, they left their human forms, and remain alive as holy spirits. Goddess Adi Parasakthi transmigrates into Arulthiru Bangaru Adigalar in Adiparasakthi Siddhar Peetam.

History of the Temple

In the 1960s, at the place where the temple's sanctum sanctorum is found now, there was only a neem tree. But instead of bitter-tasting fruit, this tree secreted a sweet nectar. The villagers tasted this nectar whenever they passed the tree. Many such people were cured of their ailments after tasting the nectar, and soon, people from other villages came there to taste the nectar. They regarded it as a medicinal tree and ensured that grazing cattle and woodcutters did no harm to it.

In 1966, the neem tree was uprooted by a severe storm. A Swayambu was seen underneath. It was an oval-shaped, naturally formed object of rock. The villagers erected a small hut above it and began conducting Poojas.

This place is called Siddhar Peetam (Siddhar means ‘enlightened or evolved souls’ and Peetam means throne). Siddhar Peetam, therefore, means ‘the throne of evolved souls or great spiritual masters/Gurus). Here, 21 Siddhars lie in Jeeva Samadhi.

People worshipped the Swayambu for several years. On November 25, 1977, the idol of Adi Parasakthi was installed in the sanctum sanctorum. The idol is 3 feet tall and sits on a 1000-petaled lotus seat. Her right leg is folded, and her left leg rests on the lotus petals. This 1000-petaled lotus is very significant in meditation. In this form, she holds a lotus bud in her right hand and displays the knowledge Mudra (sign) in her left. Her hair is gathered in a plait and knotted upwards, resembling a crown.

To perform her miracles and display her Adi Parasakthi appeared in the form of Arul thiru Bangaru Adigalar at Melmaruvathur to perform miracles, display her supernatural and spiritual powers, and communicate with her devotees.

People of all castes, creeds, communities, and faiths can enter the sanctum sanctorum and worship the goddess.

How to Worship Melmaruvathur Adi Parasakthi

Ensure that your mind is pure and free from negative thoughts.

Take a head bath before the worship to symbolize purification.

Wear clean and simple clothing.

Offer fruits, flowers, or other things like incense sticks, dhoop, etc.

Steps to Worship Adhiparasakthi

Walk around the temple precincts, chanting the Mantra ‘Om Sakthi’.

Light lamps with oil or ghee.

Offer flowers and fruits to the goddess.

Sit quietly for a while and feel the divine energy.

Chant Om Sakthi several times and sing bhajans praising the goddess.

Spiritual Practices to Follow

Do Annadhanam/Food Donation: Donate food to needy people.

Take Part in Group Prayers: Participate in group prayers or meditation meetings at the temple.

Daily Prayer at Home: If you can’t visit the temple frequently, worship the goddess at home if you have an idol or photo of the goddess.

When to Worship?

Pournami/Full Moon Prayer: Full moon days are very auspicious for the worship. People take part in the special prayers and ceremonies on this occasion.

Amavasai Prayers: New moon days are also important for the worship of the goddess