Arulmigu Kondathu Kaliamman Temple is one of the famous temples dedicated to Amman located in Pariyur about 3 kms from Gobichettipalayam. There are also other temples namely Sri Amarapaneeswarar Temple, Sri Adinarayana Perumal Temple and Sri Angalamman Temple located near by.
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Main Gopuram |
History
The history of the temple dates centuries back. The name Pariyur literally came from 'Pari' 'oor' meaning, 'place rules by Pari'. Pari was a great king who is considered in Tamil literature as one among the seven greatest vallalgal(donors) of all time. Arulmigu Kondathu Kaliamman is a powerful God who was the deity responsible for the prosperity of the country ruled by Pari.
About the Temple
The Amman temple has a five storey main Gopuram and the temple has an outer mandapam covering the inner sanctum made of black marble.There are intricate carvings on the pillars of the temple including a ball shaped of single stone inside the lion's mouth. Lion is considered as the main vahana(vehicle) of the Goddess. There is a vaikkal(canal) running near the temple. The temple has shrines dedicated to Siddhi Vinayagar, Sri Pon Kaliamman and Kannimar. There is a huge statue of Sri Maha Muniappan, who is regarded as the Saviour against fear and evil. Apart from this, there are deities of Kaval Deivam or Guardian Deities, Brahma and other Gods/Goddess. Inside the temple, we can see the statues of Brammahi, Maheshwari, Gowmari, Vaishnavi, Mahendri and Chamundi. There is a urchavar statue normally referred to as 'Chinna Amman' which is the miniature of the main Goddess.
Fairs and Festivals
The famous 'Fire Walking Ceremony' (Kundam)is held during January every year. The annual car festival is celebrated during that with grandeur. This temple attracts a large gathering from the surrounding places all the time. The annual festival lasts for about a month. It starts with 'poochatuthal' which marks the beginning of the festival period. About two weeks after that,comes a Monday when Amman is decorated in a "Santhana Kaapu"(sandal armour), a day after that Pongal is kept to honour the Goddess and ladies carry a sweet called "Pachai Maavu" to be presented to the Goddess. The famous Kundam takes place the next day(Thursday) followed by the car festival, the following day(Friday). On the next day, the Goddess starts on a week long visit to the surrounding areas in a "Muthu Palakku" or "Pushpa Palakku"(caravan of flowers). The people pf the surrounding areas receive the Goddess with prayer and offerings. Then finally she returns to the temple and the festival is complete. During the festival, a lot of people visit the temple to offer their prayers. A lot of temporary shops and others come up during this period synonymous with fairs in India.
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Sri Kondathu Kaliamman |
The other festivals celebrated include Navaratri when the Amman poses in nine different forms, Chithirai Kani (Tamil New Year), Ambu Sevai (demonstration of Goddess killing a demon), Pongal and other Hindu festivals.
Marriage Ceremonies
Because of the cultural and religious importance, people prefer Pariyur for marriages of their kith and kin. People as far as from Delhi with roots in Tamil Nadu conduct their marriage rituals here. There is a marriage hall which was constructed newly at a cost of over 60 lakhs.
Special Practices
To decide on anything, people around the area ask the decision of the Goddess through a special practice. They keep two different colours of flowers in on the Goddess Kaliamman. The decision depends upon the flower which falls from the statue of the Goddess.
Kumbhabhishekam and Thirupani
The temple which was a small one centuries ago was constructed into a grand one some decades ago. Kudu Muzhukku or Kumbhabhishekam is performed once in some years. Renovation and Kuda Muzhukku was performed recently about 6 yrs ago.
A Golden Armor or 'Kavacha' is being made for the Goddess at a cost of lakhs of rupees. Apart from that, a 'Thanga Ratham' or Golden Chariot is being made for the Goddess which will be unveiled soon. There are already two wooden chariots dedicated to the Goddess.
Others
The temple is also famous for the films that were shot here. Many Tamil and Malayalam films have been shot, in and around the temple.
Temple Timings
The temple is open from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Pooja Timings
06.00 A.M Vizha pooja
09.00 A.M Kalai sandhi pooja
10.30 A.M Siru kalai sandhi pooja
12.00 P.M Noon pooja
05.00 P.M Malai kaala pooja
07.00 P.M Artha sama pooja
How to Get here
Pariyur is situated on a major State Highway connecting Gobichettipalayam and Anthiyur. Bus services are available frequently from Gobichettipalayam..
Contact Phone
04285-222010
Website
http://www.pariyurkondathukaliamman.org/
http://www.pariyurkondathukaliamman.org/
