Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple, Thanjavur - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple

At a distance of 6 from Thanjavur, the Punnai Nallur Mariamman temple is Hindu temple located in Punnai Nallur village near Thanjavur in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Dedicated goddess Mariamman, it is one of the famous temples in the Thanjavur district, and among the most sacred places to visit near Trichy.

Goddess Mariamman, an incarnation of Shakti, has been venerated here in the form of an anthill for a long time. The goddess cures her devotees of all physical ailments. A charismatic yet considerate form is seen here. Mud replicas of the different parts of the human body are placed in the temple as offering and pleading the mother for cure.

History of Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple

The origins of the temple can be traced back to the era of the Maratha leader, Chatrapati Venkoji Maharaja Bhonsle, who governed Thanjavur in the late 17th century. The king was on a pilgrimage to the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple near Tiruchirapalli in 1780. Upon his return to Thanjavur, he experienced a vision in which Mariamman disclosed her presence in the Punnai forest, situated 5 kilometers east of Thanjavur. Inspired by this divine message, the King rushed to the location and found a Puttru, or white anthill, around which he subsequently built a small temple with a single prakara for Goddess Mariamman around the anthill. King Thulaja worshiped at this temple and undertook renovations during their reigns. It is said that the daughter of Tulaja Raja (1729-35), who had lost her sight due to an illness, regained her vision after praying at this temple.

Between 1798 AD and 1832 AD, King Sarabhoji II constructed the Maha Mandapa, Narthana Mandapa, the tall front temple tower and the 2nd Prakara. Subsequently, a third prakara and the outer walls were constructed. Initially, the deity was represented by a white anthill. The revered saint Sadhasiva Brahmendra swamy transformed this anthill into the form of Mariamman and also installed a powerful Chakra. The temple was fully renovated a couple of years back and sports a new fresh look.

Mythology of Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple

According to mythology, Lord Shiva once engaged in a battle against a demon named Tanjan Asuran. Prior to this conflict, Shiva established one of the Ashta Shaktis (eight goddesses) in each of the eight cardinal directions. The goddess positioned in the east is known as Punnainallur Mariamman.

Architecture of Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple

The temple is distinguished for its Dravidian architectural style, which features intricately carved pillars, towering gopurams, and elaborate mandapams. Spanning approximately one acre, this east-facing temple comprises three prakarams. It boasts a Rajagopuram that rises to 90 feet, along with several mandapams, including the Artha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, Dwaja Mandapam, Alankara Mandapam, and the Thirumalaipathi Mandapam. The temple is adorned with paintings depicting various forms of Ashta Sakthi. The Sukravara Mandapam, located in the Amman Sannadhi, showcases beautifully carved pillars.

The principal deity of the temple, Goddess Mariamman, is represented as an anthill. The revered saint Sadhasiva Brahmendra swamy sculpted a face of Mariamman on the anthill and installed a powerful Chakra. Consequently, no Abhishekam (ablution) is conducted on the image; instead, the goddess's representation is coated with punugu, the fragrant, oily secretion from the civet cat.

Abhishekam is performed to the Utsavar Murthy, known as Vishnu Durgai, located near the sanctum. Every five years, a Thailabishekam (punugu sattam or application) is conducted for 48 days over the anthill. During this ritual, devotees may only pay their respects to a curtain drawn in front of the goddess, which features an image of Amman. In the summer months, devotees can observe small droplets of sweat on the face and forehead of Mariamman, resembling pearls (Tamil: pearls - Muthu), which is why she is also called Muthu Mariamman. Water is placed around the goddess's image to alleviate the heat within the sanctum.

The Punnainallur Mariamman Temple also contains separate shrines for Ganesha and his brother Subrahmanya. An image of Sage Sadhasiva Brahmendrar is situated within the main temple. To the left of the sanctum, there is a shrine dedicated to Peechhi Amman, a form of Rajarajeshwari (Parvathi), as well as another village goddess. This goddess is known for healing her devotees of various physical ailments.

Festivals of Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple

Sundays are considered to be the most auspicious days for worshipping the Goddess, when a large number of devotees, mostly women and children pay their homage. The temple sees thousands of devotees from various regions of the district year-round, with a notable increase during the Brahmotsavam held in the months of 'Adi-Avani' (August). Other prominent festivals celebrated at this site include the Floating Festival in September/October, Navarathri in October/November and Maha Shivaratri in February/March.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple

When planning a visit to the Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple, it is recommended to adhere to modest dress standards. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple Timings

Monday: 5:30 AM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 5:30 AM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 5:30 AM - 9 PM
Thursday: 5:30 AM - 9 PM
Friday: 5:30 AM - 9 PM
Saturday: 5:30 AM - 9 PM

Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special darshan available for Rs. 10

Best Time to Visit Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple

The best time for visiting Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple is during the winter months, specifically from October to March, when the climate is more agreeable and conducive for exploring the area. Nevertheless, for those interested in experiencing the temple's festivals, it is advisable to visit during Brahmotsavam in Aadi (July-August) and Navarathri in October or November, as special poojas and rituals are conducted during these times.

How to Reach Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple

Mariamman Temple is situated in Punnai Nallur, approximately 6 kilometers from Thanjavur. Travelers can access Thanjavur via train or bus from various nearby towns and cities within Tamil Nadu. Upon arrival in Thanjavur, visitors have the option to reach Punnai Nallur by bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw. The closest airport is Tiruchirappalli Airport, located around 65 kilometers from the Mariamman Temple.