Mutharamman Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Tuticorin has one of the three domestic airports in Tamil Nadu.

• By road

  The temple is about 14 km from Tiruchendur, in the town of Kulasekharapatnam.

Why devotees come here

The Mutharamman Temple stands in Kulasekharapatnam, a town in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. Its presiding deities face north, and the temple is about 300 years old. Lakhs of people gather for its Dasara festival.

The Mutharamman Temple is about 300 years old. Its presiding deities, Mutharamman and Gnanamoorthy, face north. Just below them is a Shiva swayambu, a form of Shiva that is self-manifested. Mutharamman is adorned with ornaments and wears a mangalsutra, the necklace worn by married women.

Legend says that a rishi named Varamuni did not show proper respect to the sage Agastya, and was cursed with an ox's head on a human body. Another legend says a baby girl, Lalitambikai, appeared from a sacred fire ritual. She grew up in nine days and slew the demon Mahishasura on the tenth.

The temple was built during the reign of King Maravarman Kulasekaran, more than three centuries ago. The town is also spelled Kulasekarapattinam, and it sits in Thoothukudi district. Its Dasara festival in September and October draws devotees from across the state, and lakhs of people gather for this popular festival.

Festivals

• September and OctoberKulasai Dasara

  Devotees from across Tamil Nadu fast for 11 to 91 days, and they take kumbha wearing various costumes. Palli val swords are worshipped during Dussehra, in October.

Tips for your visit

• The Tamil Nadu Tourism website lists the festival as Kulasai Dasara, so search that name when checking dates.
• The town is also spelled Kulasekarapattinam, so try that spelling on maps and search engines too.

Questions people ask