Mariamman Temple - Samayapuram, Tiruchirappalli - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Mariamman Temple

At a distance of 11 km from Srirangam, 19 km from Trichy, and 66 km from Thanjavur, Sri Mariamman Temple is a revered Hindu temple situated at Samayapuram. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites near Trichy. Sri Mariamman Temple is dedicated to Samayapurathal or Mariamman, an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. Goddess Mariamman is believed to have immense powers and the temple receives thousands of devotees on a weekly basis, throughout the year, especially on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The temple is considered as the second richest temple in the southern state of Tamil Nadu after Palani Temple. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

History & Mythology of Mariamman Temple

Samayapuram Temple is regarded as one of the foremost sanctuaries dedicated to Goddess Mariamman in Tamil Nadu. Historical accounts indicate that King Vijayaraya Chakaravarthi constructed the current temple in the 17th century. Nevertheless, it is widely accepted that the local agrarian communities had been venerating the Goddess for many centuries prior to the temple's establishment. One legend says that the existing idol was originally housed at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, and one of the chief priests of the temple believed that the idol caused illness to Ranganathar and hence asked it to be removed from the temple. In that region, it is a prevalent belief that local deities possess significant powers and must be appeased through appropriate offerings and sacrifices, otherwise, they cause epidemics. The idol was subsequently relocated from Srirangam and later discovered by passersby, who then constructed a temple known as the Kannanur Mariamman Temple. During the 17th century CE, Tiruchirapalli was under the rule of the Vijayanagar kings, who utilized the area as a military base. It is believed that they vowed to erect a temple should they achieve victory in battle, and upon their success, they fulfilled this promise by building the present shrine for the Goddess.

Architecture of Mariamman Temple

Mariamman Temple exemplifies traditional South Indian architectural design, characterized by elaborately carved pillars, vibrant sculptures, a magnificent gopuram, and expansive halls that echo with the chants and prayers of worshippers. The sanctum sanctorum is home to the idol of Goddess Mariamman, which is beautifully adorned with colorful flowers, intricate jewelry, and vivid garments, radiating a divine and regal aura. The idol of Mariamman is unique because it is made of sand and clay and hence there are no abhishekams conducted to the main deity instead, the ritual is conducted on a smaller stone statue positioned in front of it. The Mariamman Urchavar idol was presented in 1991 by devotees from Ulundurpet.

The principal deity, Goddess Mariamman, represents an incarnation of Shakti and is revered as the Goddess of power and health. Devotees believe that prayers to Mariamman can lead to healing from ailments, prompting pilgrims to travel from distant places to receive her blessings. It is customary for worshippers to purchase small metallic replicas, crafted from silver or steel, representing the body parts in need of healing, which are then placed in the donation box. Individuals suffering from Chickenpox and Smallpox often visit this temple, remaining there to pray for a swift recovery.

Festivals of Mariamman Temple

Poochorithal Vizha is a significant festival associated with the Samayapuram Temple. This annual celebration, spans 28 days and has been observed for centuries, commencing on the final Sunday of the Tamil month of Maasi (March) and concluding on the last Sunday of Panguni (April). During this period, a large number of devotees present flowers to Goddess Mariamman. Other notable festivals held at the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple include the Chithirai Car Festival in April/May, the Vaikasi Panchaprakaram Festival in May/June and Thaipoosam in January/February.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Mariamman Temple

Visitors to the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple are expected to adhere to a conservative dress code, ensuring that their legs and shoulders are adequately covered. Men may opt for dhotis or long trousers paired with shirts, while women are encouraged to wear Sarees, Salwar Kameez, or other traditional attire that adequately covers their shoulders and legs. Western attire such as shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops should be avoided.

The Samayapuram Mariamman Temple is open to all visitors, regardless of their religious beliefs. Visitors are expected to adhere to the temple's dress code and rules of conduct.

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
Sunday: 5:30 AM - 9 PM

Mariamman Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan available for Rs. 100 & Rs. 250

Best Time to Visit Mariamman Temple

The best time to visit Samayapuram Temple is during the winter months specifically from October to March, when the climate is agreeable and suitable for exploration. For an enriched spiritual and cultural experience, the most favorable time to visit is between February and April, aligning with the lively celebrations of Thai Poosam, Poochorithal Vizha, and the Chithirai Car Festival, during which the temple is filled with vibrant activities. However, if you are looking to avoid the crowd and enjoy a more tranquil darshan, it would be advisable to plan a visit between July and October. It is recommended to avoid the summer months due to the excessive heat and humidity.

How to Reach Mariamman Temple

Approximately 20 kilometers away, Trichy is the closest city to the Samayapuram Temple, offering excellent flight and train connections to all major cities in Tamil Nadu and across India. Visitors can access Samayapuram by taking a bus or by hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Trichy.