Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple is a shrine dedicated to the worship of the well-known Bhakti saint Karaikal Ammaiyar. Out of the sixty-three Nayanmars, she was the only female. Malaiperumal Pillai constructed this modest but exquisite temple in 1929. An enormous idol of the goddess, also known as Goddess Punithavathi, is kept in this temple. Her supernatural abilities have led the locals to worship her. According to legend, she prayed to Lord Shiva and asked him to transform her into a demon after her husband left her and wed someone else. She later lived in Alangadu’s jungles.
The well-known town of Karaikkal was located in the Chozha lands, on the east coast of Tamizhagam (Tamil lands). Being a significant port at the time, it was thriving in international trade, with traders bringing in large sums of money from far-off places. One of the top traders at Karaikkal, Dhanadattan, was blessed with a daughter as a result of his penances. Punitavati, the name of that child, was as beautiful as the goddess of wealth. Along with learning to walk, she also learned to serve the Lord. Mangani festival is most famous festival in this temple.
Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple Legend:
Punithavathi, the birth name of Karaikal Ammaiyar, was married to Paramadutta, a trader. A Shiva devotee once gave Paramadutta two mangoes. He also sent those mangos back home. Punithavathi gave one of those mangoes to Lord Shiva when he appeared as a homeless devotee begging for alms.
When Paramadutta returned home later for dinner, Punithavathi gave him the last of the mango. After discovering it was sweet, Paramadutta requested a second one. Punithavathi prayed to Lord Shiva because she didn’t want to let him down. She was serving when a mango dropped into her arms.
She was informed by Paramadutta that the mango was even sweeter. And he wanted the specifics from her. When Punithavathi showed him another mango falling into her arms, she revealed the truth.
After realizing she was divine, Paramadutta made the decision to live apart from her.
Punithavathi then implored Lord Shiva to rob her of her youth and beauty. Her request was fulfilled. She then made her way to Lord Shiva’s residence, Mount Kailash, on a pilgrimage. The lord called her “Ammaiye,” which means mother, in appreciation of her devotion.
Activities at the Ammaiyar Temple in Karaikal:
Mango naivedyam is offered to the mother by devotees at this temple. People visit the temple for their strolls in the evenings in the little park surrounding it. Additionally, you can spend some time in the tranquil setting by sitting next to the fish pond in the temple complex.
Additionally, you can celebrate Mangani thiruvizha (which means calling the mango) if you visit the temple during the Tamil month of Aani, which is roughly June or July. The festival at Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple is the most well-known.
Mangoes and curd rice are given to people who visit the temple and take part in the celebrations.
Architecture of Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple:
Despite being devoted to Karaikal Ammaiyar, Lord Shiva’s Shivalinga, known as Somanathar, is kept in the sanctum of this temple. The shrine of Lord Shiva is facing the Dhwaja Stambham, Bali Peetam, and Nandi Mandapam of the temple. Among the idols on its walls are pictures of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, and Lingodbhava.
Additionally, she is shown holding a serving ladle while standing in the shrine dedicated to Karaikal Ammaiyar. There are paintings on its walls that tell the stories of her life. Adjacent to the shrine of Karaikal Ammaiyar is another shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This well-known temple in Karaikal also houses sub-shrines and idols of Nataraj-Shivakami, Gaja Lakshmi, Surya, Chandra, and many other deities.
The Gopuram at Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple is three levels high. The shrines of Lord Shiva and Karaikal Ammaiyar are located at each of its two entrances..
Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple Timing:
This temple is open daily from 6 AM to 9 PM in the Karaikal area. Additionally, wintertime is the ideal time to visit (November to February). Pondicherry’s winter weather is pleasant for leisurely exploration. Thus, you are free to spend as much time as you like by the pond or inside the temple complex.
Exploring it only takes an hour or so. It is recommended that you allocate a half-day for your visit, as the location is somewhat remote from Pondicherry city.
The Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple does not charge admission.
Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple Location:
The Hindu Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple is located on Barathiar Street in the heart of Karaikal Town, 1.5 km from the Karaikal Railway Station.
For More Details Visit Official Website of Temples in Tamilnadu.