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Heard
you ever of Koniamman koil, although Kaliamma, Mariamma, Ankalamma, Gangamma
etc., are very familiar and temples bearing such names built in several places.
Sure, negative alone bumps out for the name 'Koniamma' never reached the ears of
many. Quite an uncommon name, but there is one temple in the down south
dedicated to Mother Koniamman. It has an exciting background, and has became
instrumental for the development of Coimbatore, a metropolitan city famous far
industries and commercial establishments. And it is called the Manchester of
South India at it.
The
legend says that once the present Coimbatore city was a thick forest
un-accessible to approach to any part of it. Later some rural folk clearing the
jungle made a part fit for habitation. In the initial stage, there was a certain
farmer called Kovan. He built a small shrine and installed a stone image for
worship particularly to saving them from external danger threatening them
always. He named the deity Koniamman and fervently prayed to protect the people
eternally in the role of vigilant sential, keeping guard over people and their
cattle.
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