Devi Karumariamman Temple, Thiruverkadu

Sthala Puranam

In Dwapara Yuga, Kamsa jailed his sister Devaki. Her daughter was swapped at birth with Yashoda's child, and the goddess Karumari came out of that episode.

Karumari took a fierce form to put down demons. Vishnu calmed her and she took a gentle form for devotees. The fierce form is called Narani and Krishnamari, the gentle one Sivai.

Sage Agastya praised her and she appeared to him on a full moon day in Thai that fell on a Sunday. She said she would live as a snake in the forest and appear again in Kali Yuga.

In Kali Yuga she is said to have lived in an anthill under a neem tree. The temple was built there.

Speciality

• The place was called Velakadu ('neem forest') and later Thiruverkadu, linked to a snake pit where the goddess is believed to live.
• The idols are placed where the anthill stood. The anthill is still in the north-east corner, with a trident decorated with turmeric and saffron.
• Managed by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.

Festivals

• The Pushya (Poosam) full moon in Thai that falls on a Sunday, the incarnation day of Karumari

How to reach

Before you go

• Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
• Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
• Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
• Sundays and Fridays are busy. Weekday mornings are quieter.

Prayers for this temple

• Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu
• Devi Suktam
• Durga Gayatri