Periya Kandi Amman Temple, nestled in the quaint village of
Veerapur near Manapparai in the Trichy District of Tamil Nadu, holds a rich
tapestry of myth and legend within its sacred walls. The temple is steeped in
the ancient lore of Hindu mythology, with stories that resonate through the
ages.
According to local legend, the origins of Periya Kandi Amman
are intertwined with divine penance and a fervent desire for transformation. It
is said that a five-headed serpent undertook rigorous penance at Veerapur,
beseeching Goddess Parvati to be born as her daughter. Pleased with the
serpent's devotion, Parvati incarnated as Periya Kandi Amman.
However, intriguingly, Periya Kandi Amman was initially
believed to be a eunuch. Undeterred by this form, she embarked on further
penance to shed this aspect and regain her feminine identity. Through her
devotion, she attracted the attention of Lord Shiva, who prophesied that upon
the tragic demise of two brothers in the region, she would regain her true form
when their grieving sister sought solace before her.
The annals of history intertwine with the temple's
mythology, recounting the tale of Ponnar and Shankar, noble brothers who ruled
the land. Their nemesis, Thalayur Kali, envious of their stature, employed
deceit and treachery to orchestrate their downfall. Eventually, through his
machinations, one brother met a tragic end, leading the other to take his own
life. It was the anguished cry of their sister, seeking refuge in Periya Kandi
Amman Temple, that marked the fulfillment of the divine prophecy as the goddess
shed her eunuch form.
Periya Kandi Amman murti is housed in a separate temple as her puja is strictly vegetarian. Around half a kilometer from the Periya Kandi Amman Temple there are temples dedicated to Ponnar, Shankar, their sister, Thangal, and the six maids of Amman facing north. In another temple facing east, Karuppannachami is consecrated. There two temples without roof or walls to Mahamuni and Veeramaha Muni, who are both guardian Gods.
The devotees who flock to the temple, primarily descendants
of Ponnar and Shankar, venerate Periya Kandi Amman as the bestower of peace,
prosperity, and protection. Her benevolent grace is believed to shield them
from adversaries and bless childless couples with the gift of progeny.
The sanctity of Periya Kandi Amman Temple extends beyond its
main shrine, with adjacent temples dedicated to Ponnar, Shankar, their sister,
and other deities. These sacred precincts resonate with the echoes of devotion
and faith, drawing pilgrims seeking blessings and divine intervention.
The pinnacle of devotion culminates in the grand festival
held during the auspicious Maasi Month, a celebration that reverberates with
fervor and devotion, showcasing the enduring bond between the deity and her
devotees.
In essence, Periya Kandi Amman Temple stands not just as a place of worship, but as a living testament to the enduring power of faith, mythology, and the eternal dance of divine grace.