Friday, January 13, 2017

Mandhai Karai Kali Temple, Kali, Mayiladuthurai

Mandhai Karai Kali Temple, Kali, Mayiladuthurai

Mandhai Karai Kali Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to goddess Kali located in Kali Village in Mayiladuthurai Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. The temple is situated on the banks of Vikraman river. This village is said to have seven goddesses temples.

Legends

As per legend, the village was called as Srinivasapuram named after Lord Srinivasa Perumal. It is said that the idol of main deity, Kaliyamman, was found in the Vikraman River. Once, the village and its agricultural fields were heavily flooded due to the torrential rain. Due to devastation of the floods, epidemic diseases and famine struck the village. Several villagers and livestock died due to the lack of medication and food. The surviving villagers surrendered to Abhirami of Thirukameswarar temple for relief. 

They light deepas and performed abhishekam to Abhirami. During deepa aradhana, an old lady got possessed by the goddess and told villagers that she was hidden in the form of Kali under earth in Keeraimedu canal. She further asked the villagers to excavate the idol and build temple for the idol for relief from the natural fury. As instructed, the villagers went to the Keeraimedu canal, excavated the idol and installed the idol. The villagers worshipped the idol sincerely and got relief.

As goddess Kali shown the destination (Karai) for the people who were roaming like a herd (Mandhai) during the natural calamity, she came to be called as Mandhai Karai Kali. It is said that Lord Srinivasa Perumal appeared in the dreams of several villagers and ordered them to rename the village as Kali instead of Srinivasapuram in gratitude to Kaliyamman. The shrine of Kaliyamman can be seen at the entrance of the Kali village.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards north. Her lion mount and Balipeedam can be found facing towards the sanctum. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum and ardha mandapam. Sub shrines of Vinayaga and Murugan can be seen at the entrance of the ardha mandapam. The sanctum enshrines an image of Mandhai Karai Kali, a form of goddess Durga. 

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 10.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM.

Festivals

Aadi Thiruvizha & Amavasya (Jul-Aug) and Thai Pongal (Jan-Feb) are the festivals celebrated here.

Prayers

Devotees worship goddess Kaliyamman to get relief from Rahu, Ketu and Chevvai doshas

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Korukkai, 7 Kms from Thirumanancheri, 9 Kms from Villiyanallur, 9 Kms from Nidur, 10 Kms from Manalmedu, 10 Kms from Kuthalam, 11 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Junction Railway Station, 13 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 33 Kms from Kumbakonam and 134 Kms from Trichy Airport. The temple is situated at about 9 Kms to the west of Nidur on Mayiladuthurai to Manalmedu route.

Location