The Story of King Kulasekara Pandiyan and Mutharamman Temple
The Tale of King Kulasekara Pandiyan and the Goddess:
According to legends, King Kulasekara Pandiyan extended his reign over the city of Madurai by conquering nearby smaller kingdoms. After expanding his territory, he aimed to capture Kerala but was defeated by the king of Thiruvananthapuram. On his way back, he rested for the night. During his sleep, Goddess Aram Valartha Nayagi (a form of the divine mother) appeared before him.
She warned, “Oh King, do not fall asleep! If you sleep now, you might lose the glory of your kingdom. Do not worry about one defeat; attempt again.” Encouraged by this divine vision, the king set out once more and won the battle. As a mark of gratitude, he built a temple for the goddess. A town later grew around the temple, and it was named “Kulasekarapattinam” in memory of the king.
Origin of the Name Mutharamman:
The goddess’s original name was “Thattathi Amman.” It was believed that when she became angry, she would shower pearls (muthu in Tamil) on the villagers. Due to this belief, she became known as “Mutharamman,” the goddess who showers pearls.
Significance of the Mutharamman Temple:
In ancient times, traders used to transport their goods by sea for business. Once, a merchant and his wife were at the shores of Kulasekarapattinam when a tidal wave sank their goods into the sea. In their despair, they prayed to Lord Shiva, who appeared before them and asked what boon they desired. They requested, “Oh Lord, it is our fortune to have seen you. We wish for you and Goddess Parvati to be seen by devotees in a wedding form forever.” Lord Shiva granted their wish, and this divine presence is believed to reside in the temple today.
Eight Goddesses of Kulasekarapattinam:
Kulasekarapattinam is home to eight forms of the goddess, including Karungali, Bhadrakali, Chandiyamman, Angalamman, Thattathi Amman, Parameshwari, Veerakali, and Aram Valartha Nayagi Amman. Among these, the temple of Veerakali Amman is situated outside the main town.
Mutharamman Dasara Festival:
The Mutharamman Dasara Festival is a major celebration at Kulasekarapattinam. During this festival, thousands of devotees participate, dressed in various divine costumes representing Kali, Hanuman, Shiva, Murugan, Vinayaka, and other deities. They take on these roles as part of their vows and fulfill their spiritual commitments.
Devotees do not select their costumes arbitrarily. In the temple of Mutharamman, the priests perform a ritual called “Muthu Pottu Paarthal” to divine which costume each devotee should wear. Based on this divine instruction, the devotees participate in the ten-day festival, after which they conclude their vow by taking a ritual bath in the sea.
Decline in Seeking Divine Instructions:
In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of devotees seeking divine instructions for choosing their costumes. Various factors could contribute to this, such as a change in beliefs, shifts in lifestyle, modern worship practices, and societal transformations.
Understanding these aspects gives us deeper insight into the uniqueness of the Mutharamman festival. The festival is not just a ritual but a profound spiritual experience that continues to hold significant cultural and religious value for the community.
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