|
The Goddess
Mariamman is very popular in Tamil Nadu and many temples both ancient and modern are luring
steady
streams of devotees and pilgrims as well throughout the year.
In certain big cities too, this veritable kalpavriksha is adored
with such inexplicable pomp and splendour that it outshadows
the celebrations carried on in the famous temples dedicated to
Vishnu or Siva. On account of banning the animal sacrifices,
these Sakti temples have caught the Imagination of the elite is
filling the temple coffers and heightening the grandeur of
festivals. This Bannari Marriamnran temple exemplifies this
unprecedented popularity a direct consequence of the introduction
of Satwika type of offering prayers. Dally worship is offered
with great devotional fervour Many types of good old
traditions like 'Theechatti' carrying 'Fire-Pots' on the head to
the temple to the accompaniment of Instrumental music in
redemption of vows lure huge crowds crossing lakhs at times.
This is observed during the Goddess is invoked particularly to ward off the disastrous effects epidemic
diseases, and as if by
miracle the adorers are relieved rather released from them without hospital cure. The temple has vast
courtyards to hold
thousands of devotees, who prepare pongal in improvised ovens
to offering as Naivedyam. The annual festival is worth a sight and
adoration confers manifold
blessings.
It is 10 km off
Bhavanisagar and 83 km off Coimbatore, accessible
by bus from any point in the district.
|
