Samayapuram Temple

Samayapuram Temple History

As per the legend surrounding this Mariamman temple, the present deity in the temple was initially at the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam. According to the history of the Samayapuram Temple, one of the leading priests of the Ranganathaswamy temple complained that the idol was causing him to fall ill and ordered the removal of the deity from the temple premises

As a result, the idol was moved outside Srirangam. When passersby and others saw this unattended idol, they built the Kannur Mariamman Temple. It was around the 17th century CE when Tiruchirappalli was an army base under the governance of the Vijayanagara kings. They were the ones who committed to building a temple if they won a particular war. Their victory led to the construction of the shrine of the Goddess.

What is the significance of the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple?

• The trichy samayapuram temple follows unique traditions and culture in Tamil Nadu. The temple has a special feature of Samiyapuram Tamil Nadu, wherein the Goddess Mariamman takes over a devotee and helps devotees and gives blessings through talking to them. It is believed that the Goddess of this temple is a fierce protector of her devotees and has tremendous powers that can cure any illness.
• On the holy days of the deity that are Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays, She fulfils all the wishes and desires. On these particular days, thousands of believers flock to the temple to get solutions to their problems.
• There is a ritual to buy metallic replicas of different body parts of the devi. The metals like silver and steel are used to make replicas and also offer a lamp called Maavilakku, made up of rice flour, jaggery and ghee.
• It is considered that the Samayapuram Tamil Nadu only lets its visitors leave after finding their answers. The Goddess of samayapuram trichy graces her devotees by curing them of all their ailments. Unlike most Hindu temples and deities, the Abhishekam or sacred washing of the deity is not performed in this temple. Instead, the priests conduct an Abhishekam for the small stone idol kept in front of the deity.

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The Architecture of Samaypur Mariamman Temple

The style of this temple is like Dravidian architecture, highlighted by finely carved Gopurams (towers), ornate sculptures, and complex stonework, best exemplified by the Samaypur Mariamman Temple. The temple's architecture, which is primarily composed of stone, is renowned for its exquisite carvings and vibrant paintings. The temple has a Gopuram on the eastern entrance and a rectangular layout.

Five storeys of the Gopuram, or gateway tower, are decorated with exquisite sculptures and figures from Hindu mythology. The Gopuram's top levels are usually narrower and more elaborate, ending in a dome-shaped roof. The complex's main sanctum is situated in the middle and is reached by a sizable hall with pillars.

The primary shrine is home to the black stone Mariamman idol, which is decorated with diamonds, flowers, and vibrant sarees. Beautiful paintings and paintings that illustrate many legendary tales adorn the temple's interior walls.

A shrine of Lord Shiva and Lady Parvati is among the complex's numerous smaller temples and prayer halls. Another lovely aspect of the temple is the Mandapam, or pillared gallery, which sits in the centre of it and features exquisitely carved pillars and murals. The Samayapuram God temple is a significant cultural and religious monument in Delhi, and its architectural design is a stunning and elaborate example of Dravidian style architecture.

What are the festivals observed at this Mariamman Temple?

Many festivals are celebrated at this temple, and most of them are observed in honour of the Goddess.

• The Thaipusam festival is celebrated in the temple for 11 days and is a big deal. The deity of the Goddess is taken in procession during the morning and evening in different vehicles. On the 10th day, Her procession is taken from samayapuram to srirangam(North Cauvery). This procession is made in a glass palanquin, especially for her Theerthavari or bath. On this day, the Goddess Mariamman receives gifts from her brother Sriranganathan and returns on the 11th day to her home, Samayapuram. During this festival, which takes place in January and February, devotees light ghee lamps for 15 days.
• The Poochoriyal Festival is in the month of Maasi, or February, and gorgeous flowers are showered on the Moolavar deity. The Goddess undergoes a fast for twenty eight days on the last sunday of maasi. This fast is undertaken for growth and prosperity of the devotees. People offer only liquid food to the Goddess.
• Another festival is the Chithirai Ther festival or the Chariot festival. It takes place in the months of Panguni-Chithirai, from March to April. During this time, Goddess Mariamman goes for a ride on her sacred wooden chariot.
• The famous Panchaprakaram festival takes place on the 1st and 10th day of chithirai-vaikasi. The calendar month is from April to May.
• The final is navratri and the month is september. It is called Purattasi Amavasai and lasts for nine days. During this period, the deity sits in the Navratri Mandapam inside the Gopuram or the Largest tower.