30/04/2019
Don't miss to visit
ARULMIGU BANNARI AMMAN THIRUKOVIL
LOCATION AND SIGNIFICANCE:
In ancient days, Tamil Nadu consisted of five major divisions. They are known as Chera Nadu, Chozha Nadu, Pandiya Nadu, Thondai Nadu and Kongu Nadu.
Kongu Nadu is the western side of Tamil Nadu with its breathtaking beauty covered with mountains, trees, rivers, streams and abundant vegetation due to its fertile soil. Bannari is a place located on the North West boundary of Kongu Nadu.
Mariamman is the predominant mother goddess of Tamil Nadu, whose worship probably originated in pre-vedic India. The goddess Mariamman is considered by many to be the incarnation of Goddess Kali. The word Mari (pronunciation: /maari/) has a Tamil origin meaning "Rain" and the Tamil word Amman means "Mother". She is also worshipped by Tamilians as the ‘Bringer of rain’. As abundant crops of this region was very much dependent on adequate rainfall, the Tamilians considered “Mariamman” as the “Bringer of prosperity”. BANNARI is held in high esteem by devotees as the celebrated abode of Goddess Mariamman.
Bannari Mariamman temple is situated at a distance of fourteen kilometres from Sathyamangalam in Erode District. The range of mountains and the hilly backdrop add charm to the abode of the deity. Beasts such as elephants, wild pigs, bears, deer, hares, and monkey are found in the surrounding forests. Beautiful peacocks and various birds are also seen here.
HISTORY
In the past, people had witnessed the marvellous sight of tigers and cows quenching their thirst at the same spot in the Bhavani River at Bannari. Cowherds used to drive the cattle to the fields for grazing on plenty of grass available here. These cows were driven back to the stables at dusk. The cowherds used to extract milk from the udder of each cow and hand over the collected milk to the respective cow owners. One particular cow neither allowed the cowherd to extract milk nor allowed its calf to go near it.
The cowherd had his own doubts about that particular cow and he decided to have an eye on it. He allowed the other cows to graze and pursued that particular cow secretly. It went alone near a Vengai tree and stood beneath it. Milk began to flow from its udder automatically. He wondered at such a strangle sight and told about it to the other cowherds.
The news spread like a wildfire amongst the villagers. Next day they were on the spot to witness the wonder. They found the cow repeating the same behaviour. Milk oozed out from the teats of its udder at the same spot. The curious villagers removed the densely grown grass and shrubs around the spot. To their surprise, they found a sand-hill and a Swayambu (self manifested) Linga (Iconic representation of God Shiva) near it. They felt that the spot beneath the Vengai tree should have some celestial significance. Hence they prayed to the Linga with folded hands.
Among the people who were there, one got into a trance. As a spokesman of the Deity, he began to pass on the divine message to everybody. According to his words, it was understood that the deity is none other than Mannarkad Devi of Kerala. She used to accompany the traders who were passing by Bannari along with their cows from Tamil Nadu to Mysore to sell their goods. On one such journey, the Goddess was enamoured by the picturesque beauty of the place around Bannari and decided to stay there forever. The Goddess promised to watch over the traders and pilgrims and protect them forever. Moreover, she wanted a temple to be constructed there so that the people in and around that place can come and pray to her in the name of Bannari Mariamman. Thus Bannari became the permanent abode of the Goddess.
The above history has been represented by a set of paintings on the temple wall.
FAMOUS FESTIVALS AT THE TEMPLE
Golden Chariot (Rath) Festival
A golden chariot of 9.8’ height is designed and constructed with 77 kgs of Gold. From 1st May 2006, the chariot is used for carrying the idol of Bannari Amman Goddess around the temple.
Kundam Festival
Kundam Festival is the biggest and the most famous annual festival at Bannari in the Tamil Month of Panguni (March - April). Lakhs of devotees from different directions throng the temple in this month and walk over the fire pit which is marked by festivity and gaiety. Erode district will get a local holiday during this famous Kundam festival.
Thiruvillakku Pooja
On every Friday evening, Thiruvilakku pooja (pooja with lighted lamps) will be done by ladies from far & nearby places to the goddess Bannari Amman. They pray for the welfare of their families.
