About Veerapandi Gowmariamman Temple

This temple was built by the Pandya King Veera Pandi during the 14th Century and is located at a distance of 80 kms from Madurai.

Legend:

The legend has it that, aeons ago, a king who ruled this village was affected by some eye disease. He underwent all kinds of treatments but couldn't recover from his ailment. One sage suggested that he worship Gowriamman and Kanneswaramudaiyar; the king also prayed to those gods. Miraculously, his eyes were cured, so in reverence to those two Gods, he erected this temple.

Peculiarity:

Raising 'Agni Chatti', offering Maavizhakku and "Pookuzhi Irangudhal" for the Goddess Gowmariamman is the main part of the worship. Agni Chatti - Devotees carry fire pots, that is, clay pots filled with pieces of burning coal in their plain palms and walk around the temple. Maavizhakku - "Dough Lamp" is prepared by mixing Rice powder with jiggery, making the dough in the shape of a lamp. This is filled with ghee, and the dough lamp is lighted.

Finally, on the 7th day of the Chitirai festival, "Pookuzhi irangudhal" takes place - A pit is dug on the ground and is filled up with burning pieces of coal. People will see to it that the coal pieces keep on burning throughout the night. Devotees will walk and pass through this pi, chanting the name of the goddess loudly.

The Temple Car festival is most popular during Chithirai Thiruvizha. During this festival, the Amman will give Dharshan to her devotees in various forms, adorned in flowers, fruits, and garlands. Ear boring and tonsure ceremony (shaving off heads), sacrificing live goats to the goddess, take place in the backyard of the temple.

Festival:

The famous yearly Chithirai Gowmariamman festival is celebrated in this town for 8 days (starting mostly from the 7th of May), which is a sight to behold. The goddess in this temple is a Suyambu, which means it is not a man-made one; it is found naturally while digging out, and so this goddess is considered to be more powerful. Festoons (Thoranam) made of Neem leaves and Mango leaves will adorn the village, showing the commencement of the festival. The Chithrai festival commences on the night of Shivaratri and goes on for 7 days.

Special Features:

The deity is famous for curing eye diseases, measles and other infectious diseases. The temple is 200 years old.

Opening Timing:

Temple is open for visitors from 5 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM.

Nearby Temples:

Kannagi Temple, Sri Saneeswara Baghwan Temple, Vellappar Temple, and Kamatchi Amman Temple are some of the nearby temples.

Travel Mode:

• Bus: There are local bus facilities from Madurai, or you can also take a taxi from the Madurai bus stand.
• Train: Madurai railway station is the nearest one; from there, you should take another bus or an auto to reach this temple.
• Airport: Madurai Airport is handy to this temple.