Putlur Angala Temple: Significance, History and Rituals Performed
One of the most unique places of worship is the Angala Parameswari Amman Temple in Putlur (outskirts of Chennai in Tamil Nadu). It’s the only temple in India where the primary deity resides within a natural anthill.
The anthill’s appearance is striking, with a lovely face, parted lips, kind eyes, delicate eyebrows, hands, legs, and, intriguingly, a pregnant belly. Although the temple’s interior is dimly lit and narrow, the sight of this natural deity fills visitors with a sense of awe and wonder.
This temple is renowned and draws devotees from all over the country who come seeking the blessings of the Goddess Parvati. The Goddess is depicted in the form of a woman experiencing labour pains, lying with her mouth open. Behind the sanctum sanctorum, there are shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Nataraja as Thandavarayan, and Angala Parameswari.
Story Behind Angala Temple
The tale recounts the journey of Lord Shiva and Parvati from Melmalayanur to Ramapuram, which is where the temple stands, known today as Putlur due to the Goddess appearing as an anthill.
In ancient times, this area was a thick forest filled with neem trees. After a long walk, Parvati, fatigued and thirsty, sat down and asked Lord Shiva for water. He embarked on a quest but could not locate water. The river Cooum, with its clear waters, was his final destination, but a sudden downpour flooded the area. He had to wait for the rain to stop.
Meanwhile, growing impatient, Parvati lay on the ground, and an anthill gradually formed around her, merging her with it. Upon Shiva’s return, he discovered Parvati’s transformation and joined her side, becoming known as Thandavarayan. This temple is unique in having a Nandi placed before the main shrine due to the presence of Lord Shiva behind the Goddess.
Another legend is connected to the temple. A poor man, burdened with debts, was assigned a harsh punishment by a wealthy man, including ploughing a rocky field overnight. During this labour, the man noticed blood seeping from an anthill, believed to be a sign of the Goddess’s presence. Consequently, the villagers began worshipping the anthill, leading to the village’s name, Putlur.
Significance of the Putlur Amman Temple
People visit this temple to pray for solutions to various problems and to seek wish-fulfilment. Those who are childless come here to pray for progeny. There’s a unique custom of purchasing five lemons and bangles from shops selling puja items outside the temple.
On Sundays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and full moon days, the temple gets quite crowded with worshippers seeking the Goddess’s blessings.
Rituals Performed at the temple
The Putlur Amman temple in Tamil Nadu is famous for its supernatural healing abilities. It’s especially well-known for helping pregnant women and those facing various problems, including issues related to black magic and disharmony.
Most of the temple’s visitors are women, and they come seeking blessings for childbirth and other desires. It’s a common practice for visitors to bring five lemons before entering the temple. These lemons are circled around the head three times, a ritual believed to remove obstacles in life and ward off the “evil eye.”
Inside the temple, three lemons are pierced on a Trishul or sword in front of the Goddess, who is surrounded by Nandi. After these temple rituals, people go outside and light a Diya (oil lamp) at the anthill. Containers for Kumkum and haldi (turmeric) are kept near the anthill, which women fill.
Following this, the priest offers a lemon garland that is placed at the entrance of the home. The woman also offers bangles to the priest, which are kept near the deity and then returned as Prasad. It’s common for devotees to spend a few days and nights in the temple during festival days, seeking the blessings and healing powers of Putlur Amman.
Temples are important. One can be closest to God at these places. Visiting temples is like embarking on a sacred journey, where the physical meets the metaphysical. These ancient structures are portals to the divine, offering a profound connection to a higher realm. People seek blessings, but they also find inner peace and solace in the hushed ambiance. Putlur Amman temple in Tamil Nadu is one such place. Try to visit it on the next auspicious occasion and try to get closer to Paramatma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the speciality of the temple?
A. The temple holds a unique charm, and its specialty lies in its strong appeal to women. As you step into the temple, a sense of joy and tranquillity washes over you. The air is filled with the fragrance of Kumkum and turmeric, creating an aura of sanctity.
Women who visit the temple follow a beautiful tradition where they place a lime fruit at the feet of the Goddess, along with their sari pallu. It’s believed that if the fruit gently slides and rests on the pallu, their wishes will be granted, and it’s seen as a sign of good fortune. This custom adds to the temple’s distinct character and significance.
For more insights about the benefits of visiting Maa Durga Shrines in different parts of the country, you can consult our astrologers here.
