Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple
History and Significance: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, a powerful Hindu deity believed to cure diseases, especially smallpox and eye ailments: The temple's history dates back to 1680 CE when the Maratha ruler Venkoji Maharaja Chatrapatti built it after the Goddess appeared in his dr eam: Originally, the idol was in the form of a white-ant hill (Puttru), which was later shaped into the Goddess's form by the great saint Sadhasiva Brahmendra Swamy: The temple gained fame when the daughter of King Tulaja Raja regained her eyesight after worshipping here:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 Hour (Darshan) / 2 Hours (With Rituals and Exploration)Place Type:
Religious: PilgrimageEntry Fees:
Free for entry and Darshan: The temple is primarily a pilgrimage site and does not charge a general entry fee:
Special Pooja Tickets: Tickets for specific Archana (personal prayer) or Abhishekam (ritual bath) may cost between Rs.10 to Rs.200 depe...Free for entry and Darshan: The temple is primarily a pilgrimage site and does not charge a general entry fee:
Special Pooja Tickets: Tickets for specific Archana (personal prayer) or Abhishekam (ritual bath) may cost between Rs.10 to Rs.200 depending on the complexity of the ritual and the timing:
Parking Fees: A nominal fee (e. g. , Rs.10-Rs.30) may be charged for parking two-wheelers or cars near the temple premises:
Donations: The temple welcomes donations for its maintenance, food distribution (annadanam), and development activities:Timing:
Regular Timings: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Exact timings may vary slightly, always confirm locally):
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) is ideal for a peaceful darshan before the crowds, or Late Evening (7...Regular Timings: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Exact timings may vary slightly, always confirm locally):
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) is ideal for a peaceful darshan before the crowds, or Late Evening (7:00 PM to 9:
00 PM) to experience the lamp-lit atmosphere:
Crowd Management: Fridays and festival days (especially in August and October) are the most crowded, so plan to visit early on these days:Special Events:
Purattasi Theppam (Floating Festival) and Brahmotsavam:
Purattasi Theppam: The floating festival is a spectacular event held in the Tamil month of Purattasi (September-October), where the deity is taken on a beautifully decorated float in the temple tank:Purattasi Theppam (Floating Festival) and Brahmotsavam:
Purattasi Theppam: The floating festival is a spectacular event held in the Tamil month of Purattasi (September-October), where the deity is taken on a beautifully decorated float in the temple tank:
Adi-Avani Brahmotsavam: The main annual festival, spanning several days, is celebrated in the months of Adi-Avani (August), featuring processions, special rituals, and cultural programs:
Navaratri: The nine-night festival of the Goddess in September-October is celebrated with special decorations and prayers:Best Photo Spots:
Gopuram Entrance: The vibrant, multi-tiered main gopuram with its myriad of stucco sculptures, capturing the essence of Dravidian temple art:
Temple Tank (Theppakulam): The tranquil waters of the temple tank, especially when the temple is ref...Gopuram Entrance: The vibrant, multi-tiered main gopuram with its myriad of stucco sculptures, capturing the essence of Dravidian temple art:
Temple Tank (Theppakulam): The tranquil waters of the temple tank, especially when the temple is reflected in the water or during the evening light:
Maratha Additions: The unique carvings and later additions by the Maratha rulers on the mandapams and inner courtyards:
Devotional Scene: Capturing the devotees performing Archanas and Pradakshina (with permission and respect) to show the temple's living spiritual atmosphere:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Offer Prayers and Seek Healing:
Spiritual Offering: Offer Pongal (rice dish), Maa Vilakku (lamp made of rice flour and jaggery), or Tonsure (head shaving) as an offering for a cure or blessing, a major ritual here:
Worship for Health: Specifically pray for relief from skin-related ailments or eye problems, which is the temple's key significance:
Circumambulation: Perform pradakshina (circumambulation) of the inner shrine and the outer courtyard, especially on Fridays or during special days in the Purattasi month:
Floating Festival: If visiting in September-October (Purattasi month), witness the beautiful Theppam (Floating Festival) in the temple tank:
Attend Abhishekams: Witness the daily Abhishekams ...Offer Prayers and Seek Healing:
Spiritual Offering: Offer Pongal (rice dish), Maa Vilakku (lamp made of rice flour and jaggery), or Tonsure (head shaving) as an offering for a cure or blessing, a major ritual here:
Worship for Health: Specifically pray for relief from skin-related ailments or eye problems, which is the temple's key significance:
Circumambulation: Perform pradakshina (circumambulation) of the inner shrine and the outer courtyard, especially on Fridays or during special days in the Purattasi month:
Floating Festival: If visiting in September-October (Purattasi month), witness the beautiful Theppam (Floating Festival) in the temple tank:
Attend Abhishekams: Witness the daily Abhishekams and Archanas (special prayers) performed to the Goddess:
Photography: Capture the colors of the gopuram and the peaceful atmosphere of the temple tank (Kulam) (Note: always be respectful and check photography rules inside the main shrine):
Visit the Park: The nearby Samuthiram Lake Park is a good spot for quiet reflection after the temple visit:
Information
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Why Famous:
Healing Power and The Sweating Goddess: The temple is immensely famous for its miraculous healing powers, especially for skin diseases and eye problems, drawing devotees from all over the world: The deity, Mariamman, is often referred to as Muthu Mariamman, literally 'Pearl ...Healing Power and The Sweating Goddess: The temple is immensely famous for its miraculous healing powers, especially for skin diseases and eye problems, drawing devotees from all over the world: The deity, Mariamman, is often referred to as Muthu Mariamman, literally 'Pearl Mariamman', a reference to the 'pearls' or pustules of smallpox, whom the Goddess is believed to cure: A unique belief is that the Goddess's idol seems to 'sweat' during the summer months, which is said to increase her divine power, and she is anointed with oils (Thailabishekam) once every five years to cool her down: -
Architecture:
Maratha and Dravidian Synthesis:
Architecture Focus: The architecture is a blend of traditional Dravidian style, evident in the gopurams and mandapams, with later structural additions by the Maratha rulers:
Unique...Maratha and Dravidian Synthesis:
Architecture Focus: The architecture is a blend of traditional Dravidian style, evident in the gopurams and mandapams, with later structural additions by the Maratha rulers:
Unique Idol: The main deity's idol is unique as it originated from a white-ant hill and retains the texture of the ant-hill material, shaped by the saint:
This makes the idol a form of natural sculpture:
Shrine Layout: The temple follows a typical South Indian temple layout with a main sanctum, surrounding prakara (courtyard), and a large temple tank (theppakulam) used for the floating festival: The recent additions of the compound wall and outer structures show the patronage of subsequent rulers: -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), approx.
55 KM away: Hire a taxi or pre-booked cab to travel directly to the temple, or take a bus to Thanjavur and then a local auto:
By Train: ...By Air: Nearest is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), approx.
55 KM away: Hire a taxi or pre-booked cab to travel directly to the temple, or take a bus to Thanjavur and then a local auto:
By Train: Thanjavur Junction (TJ) is the closest major station, approx.
6 KM away: From the station, you can take a local bus, an auto-rickshaw (negotiate fare), or a taxi:
By Road: The temple is on the outskirts of Thanjavur on the way towards Thiruvarur: Frequent local city buses and shared auto-rickshaws run between the main Thanjavur bus stands and the temple:
It is easily reachable by car or two-wheeler:
By Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws are the most direct way from the city center; ensure the use of a meter or agree on a fixed price (approx.
Rs.150 from the city center): -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Different Seasons: Winter (December to March) is the most comfortable for a visit due to pleasant temperatures: Monsoon (June to September) brings moderate rain and the surrounding greenery is lush, but the temple courtyard can be wet: Summer (April to May) is hot, and the t...Different Seasons: Winter (December to March) is the most comfortable for a visit due to pleasant temperatures: Monsoon (June to September) brings moderate rain and the surrounding greenery is lush, but the temple courtyard can be wet: Summer (April to May) is hot, and the temple stone flooring can become very hot in the midday sun:
Different Parts of the Day: Early Morning (before 9:00 AM) is recommended for a quick and peaceful darshan: Late Evening (after 7:00 PM) for the serene temple atmosphere and to avoid heat: -
Near Tourist Places:
Samuthiram Lake Park (1 KM) Brihadeeswarar Temple (6 KM) Rajarajan Manimandapam (7 KM) Thanjavur Palace (7 KM) Sivaganga Park (6 KM) Aiyarappar Temple, Thiruviyaru (40 KM) Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam (40 KM) Sikkal Singaravelvar Temple (65 KM) Manora Fort (60 KM) Kallanai Dam (45 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Dress modestly (no shorts or revealing clothes) as it is a conservative temple: Be prepared for crowds during special festival months like August and October: The temple courtyard can be very hot at midday;
carry thick socks to ...Health & Safety: Dress modestly (no shorts or revealing clothes) as it is a conservative temple: Be prepared for crowds during special festival months like August and October: The temple courtyard can be very hot at midday;
carry thick socks to wear when walking barefoot:
Packing: Keep cash handy for offerings, pooja tickets, and local purchases:
Carry a small bag for your footwear:
Accommodation: Stay in Thanjavur city center for access to more amenities;
the temple area has limited lodging options:
Other Tips: The temple is located near Samuthiram Lake Park, so a combined trip is often planned: For the Thailabishekam, research the exact dates in advance as it is a rare event:
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