Sri Kottai Mari Amman temple in Salem
Salem is famous for steel, mango and so many really famous tourist destinations. One of these places includes the Sri Kottai Mari Amman temple. There are many temples dedicated to Mari Amman in the state of Tamil Nadu. However, this Mari Amman temple in Salem is unique as it comprises of a small sanctum sanctorum. Anyone who wants to have darshan of the idol has to first bend and bow down before entering the sanctum sanctorum. This also signifies that no matter how influential or rich you may be, you have to bow before the Almighty.
Festivals Celebrated in Sri Kottai Mari Amman temple
Aadi festival is celebrated with much gaiety in this temple. It is a significant and ancient festival --- especially the event of Poochattu. During this 15 day long festival, the supply of flowers is done to various temles of Salem from this temple only. Different programmes during this festival include planting the kambam, Karaka and invitation of Mother Shakti. Uruludandam and offering of pongal to Mari Amman and Maha Abhishek are also performed.Karaka is a folk dance performed by both men and women. They carry a pot on their head and balance it only by means of body movements avoiding touching the pot altogether!
Temple Timings:
6.00 AM to 11.00 AM and from 4.00 PM to 9.00 PM
Address:
Sri Kottai Mari Amman Temple Salem.
Phone: 91 427 2267 845
Prayer in Sri Kottai Mari Amman Temple
Devotees visit the temple to get rid of their financial problems and other physical ailments. Devotees suffering from small pox are offered 'theertha' from the temple which they consume. After recovering from illness, they make a clay doll and carry it on their head, going round the temple thrice. This is their way of thanksgiving to God for answering to their prayers. People with vision problems pray to the goddess and offer small silver or gold piece with an eye embossed over it. They offer it in the hundi.
Similarly, people affected with ailments in different parts of the body practice this method.
All the devotees go round the temple thrice for the realization of their wishes. Such a practice of walking step by step is known as Adi Alandhu Koduthal. They also mix kumkum with salt and place it on the Bali peeta. They pour water over this mixture. Just as the salt dissolves in water, it is believed that their problems too will disappear.
Another custom practiced here is to place two flowers packed in a small packet and seeking Amman's blessings. Only then can they begin with important subjects such as business or wedding.
Idol of Mother Mari Amman in the Temple
The idol of Mari Amman faces the North-East direction. Instead of the head of a demon under her feet, she has a lotus bud under her feet. The 'nivedhana' too is fed directly to the mother instead of making a symbolical offering.The temple attracts hundreds of devotees from far and near. When you visit Salem, do visit the Sri Kottai Mari Amman temple, offer prayers and imbibe the serenity of the place. May all your wishes come true!
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