veerapandi Gowmariamman Temple

veerapandi Gowmariamman Temple From Madurai

  • Legend

According to legend, a king who once ruled this village suffered from an incurable eye disease despite trying all treatments. A sage advised him to worship Gowriamman and Kanneswaramudaiyar, and miraculously, his vision was restored. In gratitude, the king built this temple in honor of the two deities.

  • Peculiarity

Key rituals for worshiping Goddess Gowmariamman include carrying fire pots (Agni Chatti), offering dough lamps (Maavizhakku), and walking through burning coals on the 7th day of the Chitirai Festival (Pookuzhi Irangudhal). The Temple Car Festival is a highlight, with the goddess adorned in flowers and fruits, giving darshan. Ear piercing, tonsure, and goat sacrifices are also performed during the festival.

  • Festivals

The renowned Chithirai Gowmariamman Festival is celebrated in this town for 8 days, typically starting around May 7th, and is a spectacle to witness. The goddess in this temple is a Suyambu, meaning it is not man-made but was naturally discovered during excavation, making her especially powerful. The village is decorated with Thoranam made of neem and mango leaves to mark the beginning of the festival. The Chithirai festival starts on the night of Shivaratri and continues for 7 days, filled with vibrant rituals and celebrations.

  • Travel
  • There are local bus facilities from Madurai, or else you can also take taxi from Madurai bus stand.
  • Madurai railway station is the nearest one; from there you should take another bus or auto to reach this temple.
  • Madurai airport is handy to this temple.