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The
Durga shrine lying to the west has a long legend and is drawing unending streams
of visitors more than other murtis here. For, it is the ishtadaivam of Chola
kings who ardently prayed and were munificently blessed by the Mother. No
project or enterprise was commenced without offering prayers to this potent
murti. All the kings without exception prayed fervently both during peace and
war. The icon is well-chesilled and artistically adorned by master sculptors that it raises
hands at first sight itself. It is of imposing ashtabhuja murti standing on the head of Mahishasura.
Her beaming facial features are pleasant that they seem assuring success and bliss on
ardent prayer.
She is very popular as Varapradayani and succours help at all times to every devotee. This
awe-inspiring icon was in the fort of Chola kings, but after the end of their rule, it
was brought and installed here. Passionate adorers and Sakti upasakas
settled
down here to be under the eternal shade of her all protective abhayahastam.
It is said that Govinda Dikshit, who served
Cholas in the capacity of minister preferred this holy place for
permanent settlement to cite evidence to the point in question. No worshipper
ever complains of his worries tormenting him, if he once visits and worships
this Mother soulfully.
It
lies 8 km off Kumbhakonam the famous pilgrim town in Tamil Nadu, accessible by
four wheelers.
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