Sulakkal Mariamman Temple

Introduction to the Sulakkal Mariamman Temple

The Sulakkal Mariamman Temple is a famous Hindu temple in Sulakkal village, Pollachi, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. It is one of the most significant Mariamman temples in the Kongunadu region. Since a Sulam (Trident) is near the Swayambu, this place became known as Sulakkal.

Legend of the Sulakkal Mariamman Temple

According to legends, the villagers of Velayudhampalayam used to graze their cows in this region. They found that the milk quantity was reducing daily. So, the villagers wanted to know why and found that the cows were pouring the milk into a dune. The agitated villagers drove them off. However, the leg of one cow was struck in a bush near the dune. When it removed its leg from the bush, a Swayambu came out with some damage. A trident was also found near the Swayambu.

Devi appeared in the dream of the cow's owner and directed him to build a temple for her. Thus, the Sulakkal Mariamman Temple was built here.

The Architecture of the Sulakkal Mariamman Temple

The Sulakkal Mariamman Temple is believed to have been built by the local villagers four hundred years ago. It displays the typical South Indian temple architecture. A Dhwajasthambam and Deepa Sthambam greet devotees at the entrance.

Before the sanctum, there is a Mandapam where devotees can rest. The temple's kitchen, where the Prasad for the deity is prepared, is also located here. The temple is completely painted, and horse idols are seen on the sides.

The presiding deity is Sulakkal Mariamman, a Swayambu. She is also called Vadukku Vayil Selvi, as she faces the north direction. She sits in the sanctum with a folded right leg. She holds a Udukkai and sword in her right hand and a trident and skull in her left hand. Even though there is a separate Utsavar, priests perform all Abishekams only for the Swayambu. Devotees can still see the scar caused by a cow on the deity.

Festivals in the Sulakkal Mariamman Temple

The Sulakkal Mariamman Temple grandly celebrates Navaratri, Aadi Perukku, Tamil New Year, Karthigai Deepam, Margazhi Pooja, and Arudra Darshan yearly.

Chithirai car festival has been celebrated in the temple for the past two hundred years on the last Tuesday of Chithirai (April-May) month.

Devotees from the nearby villages throng the temple to attend the festivals and worship the deity.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Sulakkal Mariamman Temple

Sulakkal Mariamman is well-known for her ability to cure the vision problems of her ardent devotees. Devotees stay in the temple the entire day and apply the Abisheka Theertham to their eyes, praying for a complete cure. They staunchly believe that the deity can cure their eye problems completely.

Barren women pray to the deity and tie cradles in the Mavilanga tree for progeny blessings.