| Temples & Legends Of Kerala |
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| Temples & Legends Of
India |
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THE GODDESS WHO HAS PERIODS |
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At Taliparambu
the head fell, at Chengannur, the yoni mandala or the female reproductive organ, which
explains why the Devi gets her monthly periods here. It is significant that at both these
places the image of Siva is Swayambhu or self-born. -
It is also believed that the image of Bhagavati is that of Kannaki whose husband, Kovalan,
was executed by the, Pandya king on a false charge of theft of the queen's anklet, foisted
upon him by the royal goldsmith. In her anger Kannaki plucked off her left breast and
hurled it at the city of Madurai, which began at once to burn.
She thus came to Chenkunnu in Kerala and did penance under a tree. Kovalan appeared before
her in a vimana and took her to heaven. Deeming her to be an incarnation of Kali or Mother
Goddess, Senkuttuvan, a Chera king, went north and brought a stone from the Himalayas to
be set up as her - image. It was consecrated as "ChengamalavaIli" with great
pomp and ceremony. Thus Chengannur finds mention in Silappadikaram composed by Ilango
Adikal who was none other than the brother of Senkuttuvan. ' |
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