Famous Temples in India

Religious Significance

Sri Kalyana Kamakshi Temple - As per legend, Mother Durga or Shooini is Yoga Maya and was the other form of Lord Krishna. She was the one who escaped from Kamsa’s hands when he tried to kill the eighth child of Devaki. As advised by Krishna, she was being worshipped for the welfare of humanity. One of the names of Durga in Tamil is Kottravai. When the existence of a state is threatened, patriotic people used to pray to her and even offer their lives to save their kingdoms. For doing this, they used to jump from a higher level on the Trident installed before this Ambal. In genuine cases, the mother used to save the devotee using her hand (Vayu Sthambam). As she saves the devotee from harm, she is also called Thaduthu Aatkonda Nayaki. The existence of this ritual is confirmed by the presence of a hanging pillar in this temple. Fortunately, such practices are no longer in vogue and it is since replaced by piercing lemon fruits on top of the trident.

Sri Mallikarjuneswarar Temple - To win the Kurukshetra war, Arjuna performed penance on Lord Shiva seeking the Pasupatha weapon boon. When lord appeared before him to judge the purity of the penance, both entered into a war of words in connection with the killing of a Pig and this burst into wrestling between them. Arjuna struck lord with his bow. Lord appeared before Arjuna in real form. Arjuna fell at his feet and sought pardon with tears in eyes. Lord Shiva was happy to bless Arjuna with the Pasupatha weapon. From Sage Baradwaja, Arjuna learnt that he had committed a sin by striking lord. He performed Shiva puja here with Jasmine flowers – Mallikai in Tamil. Hence lord is praised as Mallika Arjuna – Mallikarjuna. Chera king, Cheraman Peruman knowing the glory of the place, worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple.