The Heritage visit to this Sri Kazhmalaiamman Temple at Sirkazhi was a part of “Mada Temples Heritage Walk in Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai Districts”, organised by “Chozha Mandala Varalatru Thedal Kuzhu – GCHRG, on 05th and 6th March 2022. Thanks to V Ramachandran, Tahasildar of Nagapattinam, who took us to all these Temples.
The place Sirkazhi was called in 12 different names via, Brahmapuram, Venupuram, Pukali, Venkudu, Thonipuram, Poonthurai, Sirapuram, SaNbai, Kazhumalam, Kalipuram, Puravam, Kochaivayam, etc. The name of this place mentioned by Thirugnanasambandar are as given below...
பிரமனூர் வேணுபுரம் புகலி வெங்குருப் பெருநீர்த்தோணி
புரமன்னு பூந்தராய் பொன்னுஞ்சிரபுரம் புறவஞ் சண்பை,
அரன்மன்னு தண்காழி கொச்சைவயம் உள்ளிட்டங் காதியாய
பரமனூர் பன்னிரண்டாய் நின்றதிருக் கழுமலம் நாம் பரவும் ஊரே
Main Deity : Sri Kazhumalaiamman
Some of the salient features of this temple are..
The temple is facing north with an entrance arch. The stucco images of Saptamatrikas are on the arch. Bhoot, balipeedam and dwajasthambam are under a mandapam in-front of sanctum sanctorum. Mahisashuramardini’s stucco image is on the top of the entrance. An Amman ( Vedalamman ) in standing posture is in front of sanctum sanctorum. Bairavar, an Amman holding lotus flower in the right hand, A slab contains the image of Vinayagar and Jyeshta with Manthan and Manthi.
In sanctum sanctorum, saptamatrikas starts with Veerabhadra on the east wall and saptamatrikas facing North and Vinayagar is on the west wall.
ARCHITECTURE
The Temple complex consists of sanctum sanctorum, ardha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. To accommodate saptamatrikas, the sanctum sanctorum is in rectangular shape.
A 2 tier Salakara Vimanam with 7 Kalasams is on the sanctum sanctorum. The adhistanam is of simple 3 anga Vimanam. From adhistanam to prastram was built with Stone. The Super structure salakara Vimanam was built with bricks and mortar.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
It is believed that the temple existed since Chozha period, but the present structure seems to be 200 to 300 years old. Kazhumlaiamman is the Kaval deivam of Sirkazhi, was called 12 different names of which one is Kazhumalam. Three Specialities of this temple are, 1. this place name as Kazhumalam, 2. Theertham as Kazhumalam ( one of the water channel flows in the Sirkazhi City is called as Kazhumalam ) and 3. Murti / Deity as Kazhumalaiamman. It is believed that the original name of this place was Kazhumalai, which has got corrupted to Kazhumalam.
During Chozha Period this place was under Rajaraja Thirukazhumala Nadu and Rajathiraja Valanadu. This place as Kazhumala Nagar during Sundarar Period and Brahmapuram during Thirugnanasambandar Period. The Amman obtained the name of this place as Kazhumalaiamman.
LEGENDS
The Locals calls this temple as Pidari temple. As per hearsay, Pidari came to this temple drove away the saptamatrikas. Since the Saptamatrikas couldn’t come inside the Temple, they stayed in different places.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on annual function in the month Panguni/ 10 days before Chithirai Amavasya ( new moon day ). Bali soru offering is an important event will be held in that night. 7 people used to go with various weapons like Aruva, Trishul, Semangalam, Bell, Vedalakattai and Melam. Soru mixed with the sacrificed calf’s blood will be offered on 4 directions of this temple. It was told that during that night the pregnant ladies will avoid to stay in the territory of the temple. The Annual function of Sri Sattainathar Temple will be conducted only after this function.
TEMPLE TIMINGS
Since oru kala pooja is conducted, the person who is conducting the poojas may be contacted for visiting the temple.
CONTACT DETAILS
Mr Dr. Saravanan may be contacted on his mobile +919442275320 for darshan and further details.
HOW TO REACH
This Kazhumalaiamman temple is about a KM from Sri Sattainathar Temple.
The temple is about 1.7 KM from Sirkazhi Railway station, 7 KM from Vaitheeswaran Kovil, 25 KM from Mayiladuthurai, 66 KM from Nagapattinam 239 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway station is Sirkazhi Railway Station.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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