Mathura Kaliamman Temple

Introduction to Arulmigu Siruvachur Mathura Kaliamman Temple

The deity Kali is a powerful incarnation of Parvati. There are several temples for her in Tamilnadu as well as other parts of India. Some of her temples are in villages with lush green scenic views. The presiding deity of Arulmigu Mathura Kaliamman Temple is Mathura Kaliamman. The temple is in Siruvachur, 8 km from Perambalur and 50 km from Trichy.

Legend of Arulmigu Siruvachur Mathura Kaliamman Temple

Arulmigu Mathura Kaliamman Temple has an interesting legend behind its existence. The story goes that Chelliamman, the principal deity, protected Siruvachur village. She was pleased by the worship of a wizard and favored him with blessings. The cruel wizard wished Chelliamman to be his slave and obey all his commands. She started obeying him as her own boon trapped her.

In the meantime, Kannagi, the devoted wife of Kovalan and a symbol of chastity, came to Siruvachur after losing everything, including her husband Kovalan, in Madurai after the king accused him of stealing the queen's anklet. At this Chellliamman temple, she spent a night. The deity Chelliamman came out of the sanctum on seeing Kannagi and warned her not to stay in the temple as the wizard might kill her. After hearing the story of Chelliamman, Kannagi wanted to help her. Both went to the sanctum and waited there. The wizard arrived at night and called Chelliamman. In the meantime, Kannagi invoked the blessings of Kali, came out of the sanctum and beheaded him. Thus, Chelliamman got freedom from the magician.

Another legend behind the temple says that Chelliamman, the local deity of Siruvachur, was trapped by a wizard who pleased her with his devotion. So, she blessed him with boons. The cruel magician wished her to be his slave and obey his commands. Without refusing, she accepted his wish as her boon bound her. He started using her for destructive purposes. He tied her.

During that time, Mathura Kaliamman, an avatar of Kali, wanted to help Chelliamman. She visited the village and stayed there. Chelliamman revealed her plight to her. Mathura Kaliamman took pity on her and saved her from the black magic effects. To show her gratitude, Chelliamman requested Mathura Kaliamman to stay at Siruvachur. The deity granted her request and stayed there. Chelliamman left the place and settled in the Periaswamimalai, a nearby hillock.

Before leaving Siruvachur, Chelliamman had a plea that during the daily Pooja, she should get the offerings first. So, even today, the Arati is performed, first facing her abode in Periaswamimalai.

The Architecture of Arulmigu Siruvachur MathuraKaliaman Temple

Since this small temple lies at the foothills of Madhira Malai, the main deity is Mathura Kaliamman. Arulmigu Siruvachur MathuraKaliaman Temple showcases the beauty of Dravidian architecture with a 5-tier Rajagopuram. There is a main sanctum and one Prakara. Thirukkula Theertham is the temple tank.

The temple was built 1000 years ago by Dharma Varman. The temple's Sri Chakra was installed by Srila Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra Swamigal in the sanctum sanctorum and consecrated.

Sri Madhura Kaliamman is the primordial deity who is an incarnation of Parvati. She graces her devotees facing the north direction. Her idol is 4 feet in height, and she carries her divine weapons and an Akshaya Patra. She sits with one leg bent and another on a lion. In most Kali temples, demons can be seen under her feet. But, here in Arulmigu Siruvachur Mathura Kaliamman Temple, there is no such furious form.

Devotees can worship at Cholai Muthiya Temple, located north of this temple. He is the guardian deity of Madura Kaliamman and Chelliyamman. Agora Veerabhadra is a guardian deity predominantly seen in villages near Cholai Muthiya.

Festivals of Arulmigu Siruvachur Mathura Kaliamman Temple

Aadi Perukku, Navaratri, Deepavali, Karthigai Deepam, Vaikunda Ekadesi, Masi Sivarathri, Thai Thaippongal, and Thaipoosam are grandly celebrated in Arulmigu Siruvachur MathuraKaliaman Temple.

Chithirai Ammavasai is followed by Poochorithal and Kappu Kattuthal festivals. Finally, on the 10th day, Chitirai Therottam is celebrated. It is considered the most important festival in the district.

Benefits of Worshipping Arulmigu Siruvachur Mathura Kaliamman Temple

Devotees pray to the deity mainly for marriage and fertility. They offer prayers to get relief from diseases and redeem lost items, win litigation, and fulfill materialistic needs.