Devi Karumariamman is a powerful manifestation of Mother
Goddess Shakti. There is an interesting story of Karumariamman and Surya, the
sun god. The story is also associated with Sri Devi Karumariamman temple in
Thiruverkadu, a suburb of Chennai.
Legend has it that once Devi Karumariamman disguised as
soothsayer and visited Surya to predict his future. Proud Surya ignored Devi Karumariamman
and did not give Her an audience. The behavior of Surya angered Mother Goddess
and she left angrily.
The moment Devi Karumariamman left, Surya started losing his
luster. Soon he was turned into a big black coal. Earth plunged into darkness.
There was total chaos in the universe.
Surya realized his mistake and asked for forgiveness.
To pacify Devi Karumariamman, Surya promised that two times
in a year he would touch her feet.
Devi Karumariamman blessed Surya and he regained his lost luster.
Today, the sun rays fall directly on the feet of Devi
Karumariamman at the Thiruverkadu. This event happens in Panguni (March –
April) and Puratasi (September – October).