Goddess Masani Amman is a popular deity worshipped in
certain regions in South India . Story and
history of Goddess Masani Amman is one of repression. Legend has it that during
the Sangam Era, a cruel ruler named Nannan ruled over Anaimalai which was then
known as Nannanur.
The ruler had large mango plantation and had appointed
guards to protect them. He had proclaimed that he would kill any person who
trespassed into the mango plantation.
A young woman was once bathing in the River Aliyar and
happened to see a mango floating in the water. She grabbed it. This was noticed
by the guards who took her into custody and produced before the king.
The father of the young girl offered to give the king a
golden mango. But the king did not relent. The father then offered an image
made of gold equal to the weight of her daughter by way of compensation
together with 81 elephants. This also was not acceptable to the ruler.
The king ordered her to be beheaded.
People of the region who came to know about the incident
took up arms against the king and killed him.
The body of the young woman was buried. An image of her was
made and people started worshipping it every Thursday and Friday. Soon a temple
was built for the women, commemorating her martyrdom and she came to be known
as Goddess Masani Amman.
Goddess Masani Amman temple is located at Anaimalai near
Pollachi in Tamil Nadu.
The deity worshipped in the temple is seen in lying posture
measuring 15 ft from head to foot.