Sri Samayapuram Mariamman – The Temple Of Goddess Shakti!
You must be wondering what is so unique about the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple! Dedicated to Devi Shakti, this most revered temple is situated in the Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) district of Tamil Nadu in Samayapuram and is among the most visited shrines of Devi Shakti in Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity, Maiamman Devi is another form of Goddess Durga or Adi Shakti and this temple is one of the most ancient temples of Goddess Durga in this Southern Indian state. The temple is believed to be the second wealthiest temple in Tamil Nadu.
What is the History of Samayapuram Mariamman Devi Temple?
There is a story about this Samayapuram Mariamman temple, that initially the present deity in the temple was at the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam. As per history, one of the leading priests of the Ranganathaswamy Temple one day complained that due to the presence of the Mariamman Devi idol inside the temple, he was continuously falling ill. This led to the removal of the idol of Mariamman Devi from the Ranganathaswamy Temple premises, following which the idol was moved outside Srirangam.
For people and devotees of Mariamman Devi, the site of seeing her unattended was painful so they decided to build the Kannur Mariamman Temple. In the 17th century CE, under the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire, Tiruchirappalli was an army base for the Kingdom. The Vijayanagara Rulers then pledged to build a temple if they won a certain war. After the victory Rulers of the empire fulfilled their promise by building the shrine of the Goddess.
What is the significance of the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple?
The Trichy Samayapuram Temple in Tamil Nadu has some unique traditions and rituals practised since the time it was built. The temple has a unique ritual in which the Goddess Mariamman takes over a devotee to bless other devotees and also talk to them. Devotees of Mariamman believe the Goddess is a fierce protector of her devotees and has tremendous powers that can cure any illness.
Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays are observed as special holy days of the deity here. These are the days when she fulfils all the wishes and desires of her devotees. Thousands of devotees from distant places, make it a point to visit the temple on these special days, to get rid of their various life problems.
Devotees follow a tradition of buying metallic replicas of different body parts of the devi. Silver and steel are used to make replicas. You can also buy a lamp called Maavilakku, made up of rice flour, jaggery and ghee to offer to the deity.
It is believed the Devi Maa at the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple in Tamil Nadu does not allow its devotees to leave the temple complex unless their questions are answered. The Goddess of Samayapuram Trichy is believed to cure all the ailments of its devotees. There is no Abhishekam or sacred bathing of the deity performed here in this temple like it is done in other temples. But, Abhishekam is performed by the priests on the small stone idol kept in front of the main deity.
The Architecture of Samaypur Mariamman Temple
The architectural style of this temple is very close to Dravidian architecture. The temple architecture, carved out of stone, is famed for its magnificent carvings and rich paintings. It displays elaborately carved Gopurams (towers), meticulously sculpted statues and intricately done stonework all over its temple structure. You can get one of the best views of Dravidian style here at Samaypur Mariamman Temple. A Gopuram can be seen at the eastern entrance of the temples leading to a rectangular layout.
Five storeys of the Gopuram (an entranceway tower), are elaborately decorated with outstanding sculptures and figures from Hindu scriptures and ancient Indian stories. Upward the Gopuram becomes narrower and more intricately ornate. In the end is the dome-shaped roof. The main sanctum of the temple is in the middle of the complex and you can access the sanctum by walking through a sizeable hall with beautifully designed pillars.
The main deity of the temple is in black stone (the idol of Mariamman Devi). Goddess Mariamman is beautifully decorated with precious stones, diamonds, jewellery, flowers and vibrant sarees. The interiors of the temple are intricately painted and illustrate many legendary tales from the glorious history of Sanatan Hindu dharma.
A shrine of Bhagwan Shiva and Mata Parvati are among the many smaller temples and prayer halls inside the temple complex. The Mandapam is a pillared gallery that sits in the centre of the temple and showcases, magnificently carved pillars and murals. The Samayapuram Mariamman temple is among the most revered places of worship for Hindus in Tamil Nadu and is a fine example of stunning Dravidian-style architecture.
Festivals Observed at Samayapuram Mariamman Temple
The temple observes and celebrates many festivals and most of them are observed in honour of the Goddess.
The Thaipusam Festival
Celebrated in the temple for 11 days, the Thaipusam Festival is a big festival in this temple complex in the months of January and February. Devotees take the main deity of the Goddess Mariamman in procession in the morning and evening. Different vehicles are used for the procession. On the 10th day, the procession is taken from Samayapuram to Srirangam (North Cauvery). A glass palanquin is used for this holy procession, especially during the Goddess’ Theerthavari or bath. On this day, the Goddess Mariamman gets gifts from her brother Sriranganathan. After this ritual, the Goddess, on the 11th day, returns to her home in Samayapuram. Devotees light ghee lamps for 15 days during this festival.
Poochoriyal Festival
The Poochoriyal Festival is celebrated in the month of Maasi (February) when devotees shower flowers in abundance on the Moolavar deity for 24 hours. This Brahmotsavam is performed in the month of April and devotees come from Malaysia, Singapore, Srilanka and many distant places to fulfil their desires. The Goddess undergoes a fast for twenty-eight days (Pachai Pattini Viratham) and hence devotees offer only liquid food like buttermilk, sugarcane juice and coconut water to the Goddess. Every Sunday during this time, devotees offer tonnes of flowers to the deity and take darshan. It is believed that the Goddess fasts for the benefit of her devotees.
Chithirai Ther Festival
Chithirai Ther festival is a Chariot festival that is held in the months of Panguni-Chithirai (March to April). During this time, Goddess Mariamman goes out on a yatra on her sacred wooden chariot.
Panchaprakaram Festival
The Panchaprakaram festival is held on the 1st and 10th day of Chithirai-Vaikasi (April to May).
Purattasi Amavasai (Navratri)
Navratri called Purattasi Amavasai locally is celebrated in the month of Ashwin (September or October). It lasts for nine days and in this festival, the main deity sits in the Navratri Mandapam inside the Gopuram.
If you want to know more about the benefits of visiting a Devi Mandir, you can talk to our astrologers and pandits here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: At what time Samayapuram Mariamman Temple is open for devotees?
A: The temple opens at 6 AM and closes at 9 PM. However, the darshan time of the deity is between 12 PM and 2 PM.
Q: Who is the presiding deity of the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple?
A: Samayapuram Mariamman Temple is dedicated to Maa Adi Shakti, popularly known as Maa Durga. Devi Mariamman is another form of Adi Shakti and is among the most revered deities. This temple is equated to Shakti Peethas due to its miraculous power of curing illness. However, for any result, your devotion and faith in the Goddess is very important.
