Vana Bhadrakaliamman Temple Mettupalayam
Arulmigu Vanabathrakaliamman Temple is situated in Mettupalayam to Tekkampatti Road around 5 km from Mettupalayam, near Coimbatore,Tamil nadu,India. Vanabadrakali Amman temple is located on the banks of Bhavani River. This temple is closely associated with Pandavas.
It is believed that the Vana badra kaliamman Temple was
built during the time of the Pandavas.Vanabadrakali is a swayambu in the
temple. It is believed that mother Shakthi came to this forest and started
doing penance for Lord Shiva.
Since, Bhadrakaali was praying in the forest (Vanam),
thus came to be known as Vanabathrakaliamman .
Vana Bhadrakaliamman Temple
History :
In historic period, one city which was called as Nellore
City . It was ruled by seven sisters.Their names were Aravalli, Suravalli Vana
bathra kaliamman temple story is believed that to have existed during the
period of the Pandavas.
It is believed that
Pandavas took the blessings of the deity in the war against seven Aravalli
sisters who were harassing people through witch craft. The story of seven
Aravalli sisters is a local legend associated with the Vanabathrakaliamman
temple.
The Temple Story is closely associated with lots of
mythological stories like Allimuthu (nephew of the Pandavas and the son their
sister Sangavi) war victory against Aravalli, Suravalli sisters.
The second Pandava Bheemasen came this side during his
travels. In this area, there were two sisters Aravalli and Suravalli practising
witch craft. Though Bheema wanted to end their evil practice. But, he was
enticed by them. Lord Krishna came to the rescue of Bheema and saved him.
This message was passed to remaining Pandavas. They were
angered and ready to fight with Aravalli sisters. Then Lord Krishna and
Pandavas decided to send another warrior by name Allimuthu ( Nephew of the
Pandavas and the son of their sister Sanghavi) to kill the seven Aravalli
sisters.
Allimuthu after praying to the Vanabathrakaliamman, she
gave thiruman and sword to Allimuthu went to war with the sisters. After seeing
his valour, the sisters sought peace with him and Aravalli offered her daughter
by name Palvarisai in marriage.
Allimuthu was agreed, but he told them, his marriage was
taken in front of Pandavas. After returning to his place with Palvarisai, but
Aravalli sisters plotted against Allimuthu and killed him by giving poison.
This information didnt known to the innocent girl.
After knowing this message, Arjuna then sent his son
Abhimanyu who went to the nether world with the help of Indradeva and brought
back Allimuthu alive. Allimuthu once again prayed to Vanabathrakaliamman with
greater vigour and killed six evil sisters, even though one of them was escaped
from him.
The sister who escaped from the war went to Malayala
Desham and became Goddess with the name “Kambhalathu Bagawathi Amman”.There are
so many villages located near this temple named as Nellithurai, Nellimalai,
Nellikadu, Panchalangadu.
The subsidiary deities in the temple include Nagas and
local deities. The most important festival and rituals in the temple are
observed during the Tuesdays in Aadi Month. An important ritual in the temple
is fire walking - running through hot coal bed. This is known as Aadi Gundam
and is observed in Aadi Month.
The story of Pagasooran :
The time back there lived a monster by building a Fort on
the west side of the “Neelamalai”. He was considered equal to Bheema and
Dhuriyodhana in strength. He got many blessings and it is not possible to
conquer him. He was always hungry and eats a lot. For the foodstuff, he used to
trouble the nearby villagers.
There was an order by the monster that the villagers
should send him a cart full o foodstuff every day. At times, when the
foodstuffs brought to him are found insufficient, he will kill the man who
brought the foodstuff and bulls of the cart and ate them.
The villagers found it very difficult and suffered a lot
due to the monster. On such an occasion, the Pandavas happened to be in that
village. On hearing this misery, one day Bheema took the responsibility of
carrying the foodstuffs and took the fully loaded cart to the place where the
monster was living.
By halting the cart at a little distance before the
destination, he started eating the foodstuff. On seeing this, the monster
became angry and came neared to Bheema with an intention to kill him, without
knowing that the man present was none other than Bheema.
Bheema prayed to the Goddess Kali and started fighting
with the monster. The fight was something like two mountains are dashing
against each other and finally with the blessings of Goddess Kali, Bheema won
the fight.
The Pagasooran was slowly dyeing and his ferociousness
came to an end. He realized his mistakes and started weeping. He prayed to the
Goddess to forgive him and to bless him with a place in the temple as a
security guard.
The Goddess conceded his prayer and blessed him. The
Goddess also greeted Bheema and disappeared. The villagers were very happy and
continued to lead a peaceful life.
With the blessings of the Goddess Badrakali, the
Pagasooran became a security guard of the temple and thus the statues of Bheema
and Pagasooran were installed in the temple. Devotees who visit the
Vanabadrakaliamman Temple used to offer prayers .
Vana Bhadrakaliamman Temple
Significance :
The staunch faith and experience of the devotees that
prayer to Mother Vana-Badrakalai Amman for total relief from spells and
witchcraft never fails and they begin a new lease of life. Realizing their
wishes, women use to put their mangal sutras in the hundi.
They also hang a stone on the Thothi Maram the sacred
tree of the temple seeking child boon. Those starting a trade or beginning
marriage proposals use to place white and red flowers in separate packets and
seek the permission of the Goddess.
If they get the flower of their choice, it means the
permission is granted. Tuesday, Friday and Sunday Rahukala poojas with lemon
lamp will bring blessings to women folk. Above all, the temple is known for the
sheep animal sacrifice.
Vanabhadrakaliamman Temple Pooja
Timings : 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM,
(On Amavasi or no moon day the temple is open from 5:00
AM to 8:30 PM.)
Kala santhi - 06.00 A.M.
Utchikkaalam - 12.00 P.M.
Saayarakshai - 06.00 P.M.
Arthajaamam - 08.00 P.M.
During Rahu Kalam on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, special
pujas are held with lemon lamp.
Vana bhadra kali Amman Temple Entry : Free
Vana bhadra kali Amman Temple Festivels :
Chithirai kani (Tamil New Year)
Aadi pathinettam perukku.
Saraswathi Pooja.
Thirukarthigai festival.
Thiruppalli Eluchi. (Margazhi month)
Thai Pongal.
Maha Shivarathiri
Best Time To Visit
Vanabhadrakaliamman Temple : Between the month of July –
August ( Tamil month of Aadi )
Vanabadrakaliamman Temple Address
:
Nellithurai Road,Thekkampatti, Nellithurai (Post),
Mettupalayam - 641 305.
Coimbatore District.
How to Reach Vanabadrakaliamman
Temple :
By Road : Bus facility is conveniently available to Mettupalayam from Coimbatore.
Town buses are available to reach the temple.
By Rail : Nearest Railway Station is at Mettupalayam.
By Air : Nearest Airport is at Coimbatore.
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