Karumariamman Thiruverkadu
Other Temples, Thiruvallur District
Goddess
Karumariamman, facing east
Other Deities
Vinayakar, Subramanyar, Surya, Chandran, Maduraiveeran, Vaattavaraayan, Navagraha, Perumal
Karumariamman Thiruverkadu is an ancient east facing temple with a 5 tier Rajagopuram and a temple tank in front of the temple. The temple has been designed so that the rays of the sun illuminate the sanctum sanctorum in the months of Thai and Aadi (mid January to mid February and mid July to mid August respectively). The main deity is said to be a Swayambu (self occurring) having been found buried in an anti hill by a devotee. A lamp burns here perpetually and is called Pathi Vilakku with Vinayaka, Muruga, Sun and Moon on four opposite sides. Along with Mangadu (Kamakshi Amman) and Kundrathur (Katyayani Amman) temples this temple forms the Trichakra Darshan temples located along a straight line.
Holy water (Theertham) – Velayudha Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Neem (Azadirachta indica)
History
Karumariamman Thiruverkadu is an ancient temple. Historical information is not available as of now.
Legend
Karumariamman Thiruverkadu temple is believed to represent the consorts of the Hindu holy trinity and thus called Reengara Peedam. Shakti appeared as Maya and replaced the child of Nandagopal (in Lord Krishna’s story) in the womb, thus the goddess here is called Karu (womb) mari (changed) amman (goddess).
An ant hill here was being worshiped when the goddess appeared in the dream of a devotee and asked him to build the temple here. Upon trying to shift the ant hill he discovered the idol of the goddess here and built up the temple around her.
Directions
Karumariamman Thiruverkadu is off the Poonamallee High Road after Vanagaram on the outskirts of Chennai. Clear indications and an entrance arch are on the highway to lead you all the way to the temple. Karumariamman Thiruverkadu is a very crowded temple on festival and important days and parking then could be a problem.
There is a Paadal Petra Sivasthalam behind. Poonamallee has some old temples and it is advisable to combine them for a half day trip.
Stay and Food
Small eateries are available locally.
