Pachaiamman, Munugapet

Other Temples, Thiruvannamalai District

God

Shiva in the nearby confluence

Goddess

Pachai Amman, facing east

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga, Veeran, Veerachi, Vamuni, Semmuni

Pachaiamman Munugapet is a large east-facing temple with two Prakarams. The outer Prakaram has many Stucco idols of warriors. A small 3 tiered Gopuram is at the entrance in the east.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Mukkoodal (confluence of Cheyyar and Kamandala Rivers)

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Plantain – Sevvazhai (Musa sps)

History

Pachaiamman Munugapet is said to be voer 1000 years old. Historical information is not available as of now.

Legend

Goddess Parvati was cursed by Lord Shiva to go to earth for playfully closing his eyes and disturbing him while he was in penance. She is believed to have come here and created a Pandal (shelter) of Plantain Leaves, installed a Shiva Lingam, and sat down for penance. While her sons Ganesha and Muruga went to fetch water for ablutions she dug the ground with a stick and water gushed out. Her sons also came with the water. This is the legend of the confluence of the rivers here. The 5 feet tall Lingam is still present near the confluence. The other story is that she did penance here on her way to Thiruvannamalai to merge with the Lord (same legend as the Devikapuram Temple). While in penance the huge dust created by devotees irritated King Surapadman of Veeramapuri (a legendary city) who sent his brother with 6 warriors to throw the goddess out. The brother was struck by the beauty of the goddess and narrated this to Surapadman who proposed marriage to her. Enraged she took the form of Kali and along with Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu as Sages Vamuni and Semmuni respectively and killed Surapadman here at Pachaiamman Munugapet. The place which she first saw here became ‘Mun Agapattu’ (Munugapet of today) and from where she set out to continue her journey became Prayanapattu (Perlampet of today).

Directions

Pachaiamman Munugapet is 2.5 kilometers southwest of Vazhapandal. Vazhapandal is 12 kilometers southeast of Aarani and about 22 kilometers west of Cheyyar. A large parking is available opposite this busy temple.

Stay and Food

Tea Shops and snacks are available locally.

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