Samayapuram Amman History – Samayapuram Mahamayi Mariamman Story – Offerings – Festivals – Different Names
The Amman (Mother Goddess) worshipped at the famous Mariamman Kovil at Samayapuram in Tamil Nadu is known as Mahamayi. The history and story of Samayapuram temple is intertwined. Her festivals and offering are unique and these can be found in her different names. Samayapuram Amman History A Chozha king of the region had his sister married to a king of the Ganga dynasty. He also gave the sister, a gift of a fortress in a place called Kannanoor (which was near the present day Samayapuram). In course of time, the fortress became dilapidated. It came to be known as the ‘Kottai medu’ or the ‘aranmanai medu’ (Kottai=Fortress, aranmanai = palace, medu = raised area). Neem trees covered the place. The place was abandoned for several years. Vaishnavi Devi Of Srirangam Becomes Samayapuram Mariamman There was a murti of Vaishnavi Devi in the temple of Srirangam, which is a few kilometres south west of Samayapuram. Vaishnavi Devi here was extremely fierce and the priests found it i