Punnainallur Mariamman

Punnainallur Mariamman Temple

The Punnainallur Mariamman Temple, popularly known as Thanjavur Mariamman Kovil, is a prominent Hindu temple situated in Punnainallur, a village located on the outskirts of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India. This temple, dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, holds significant importance in both legend and history, attracting a large number of devotees throughout the year.

Legend and History

Numerous stories contribute to the temple's origin. A widely accepted account credits Sage Sadashiva Brahmendra with playing a crucial role. It is believed that the Devi herself instructed the sage to install her image at this location. With his yogic abilities, Sadashiva Brahmendra is said to have created the idol of Punnainallur Mariamman from a snake pit and enshrined a powerful yantram, after which the Devi is said to have manifested in the idol to bless her devotees.

Historical records indicate that King Venkoji Maharaja Chatrapathi, during a pilgrimage, had a dream in which a young girl, identifying herself as Mariamman, requested him to construct a proper temple for her. Following this dream, the king returned to his capital and made arrangements for the installation of the Goddess, after whom the deity eventually became known as Punnainallur Mariamman.

Further patronage came from Thuljaji Raja, son of Venkoji Maharaja. When his daughter suffered from poor eyesight, he worshipped Mariamman, who appeared in his dream and advised him to bring his daughter to the Punnainallur Mariamman shrine. The daughter's eyesight was miraculously restored, leading King Thuljaji Raja to renovate the temple. He also arranged for priests and, with the guidance of Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra Swamigal, installed a powerful yanthram beneath the idol and conducted a grand Kumbhabhishekham. The Thanjavur kings endowed substantial landed gifts for the temple's upkeep, and an underground passage was even constructed from their palace to the shrine for safe access.

Other historical anecdotes include a Chola King named Keerthi Cholan, who, lacking an heir, was blessed with a son, Theva Cholan, after devoutly worshipping the Goddess. Additionally, a European named Mr. Wilson is said to have been cured of an eye ailment through his devotion.

Architecture and Features

The temple faces east and comprises three prakarams, covering an area of approximately one acre. It features a 90-foot high Rajagopuram, which is a relatively recent addition. The complex includes various mandapams, such as the Arthamandapam, Mahamandapam, Narthanamandapam, Dwajamandapam, Alankaramandapam, and Thirumalaipathimandapam. The Sukravaramandapam, located in the Amman Sannadhi, is noted for its beautifully carved pillars. Within the temple, paintings depict the different forms of Ashta Sakthi, including Gajalakshmi, Veera Lakshmi, Sowbhagya Lakshmi, Santhana Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Vidhya Lakshmi, and Karunya Lakshmi.

The Sthala Viruksham of the temple is the Neem Tree ('Vembu'), and the sacred Theertham is the Mani Muktha Nadhi (Vadavar River). The presiding deity, Goddess Mariamman, is represented by an idol made of sand atop an ant-hill, adorned with a silver kavacham. Poojas are performed four times daily, with an anointment with Thailam (oil) conducted once every five years. Abhishegam is performed thrice daily to Durgai, whose sanctum is situated to the right of the main deity, facing north.

Worship and Offerings

Sundays are considered the most auspicious days for worshipping the Goddess, attracting a large number of devotees, predominantly women and children. Devotees suffering from ailments like small-pox often take vows such as 'Thotti Kattuthal,' symbolizing a cooling effect. Practices like offering salt to the temple and mixing jaggery in the temple tank are also common. Votive offerings from the public can include cattle and fowl. A devotee has donated an elephant, and another has gifted a Ther (chariot) costing around Rs. 10,000.

There is a separate shrine for Pechi Amman, where flesh food is offered. The Mariamman of Punnainallur is deeply venered in the locality, with many devotees considering themselves blessed by her divine grace. The Mariamman festival is a major event, attracting an annual crowd of approximately 20,000 visitors.

Administration

The Punnainallur Mariamman Temple is part of the Thanjavur Palace Devasthanam, which encompasses 88 temples. These temples are maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Location

The temple is located in Punnainallur, about five kilometers east of Thanjavur, and is easily accessible by bus. Town buses operate regularly between Thanjavur and Punnainallur.