Tamil Nadu, with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and spirituality, is home to some of the most revered temples in India. Among these, three temples dedicated to different forms of the goddess Shakti—Thiruvudai Amman, Vadivudai Amman, and Kodivudai Amman—stand out for their spiritual significance. Goddess Shakti, the divine embodiment of feminine power and energy, represents the dynamic forces that move through the universe.
Mythological Story
According to Hindu Scriptures, one day Goddess Parvati playfully covered Lord Shiva's eyes for a moment, causing the world to be plunged into darkness. As a result, Shiva cursed her to be born on Earth three times—as Ichchha Shakti (the devi who will fulfil devotees wishes), Gnana Shakti (the devi who will bless us with Gananam), and Kriya Shakti —as a form of penance. After each birth, Shiva would marry her again. This story is the basis for the three temples dedicated to different forms of Shakti.
A divine marriage is believed to have occurred at each of these temples. The idols of the goddess in the three temples—Thiruvudai Amman, Vadivudai Amman in Thiruvottiyur, and Kodiyidai Amman in Thirumullaivoyal—are said to have been sculpted by the same artist, reflecting a similar divine form.
Thiruvudai Amman Temple
- Lord: Thirumanangeeswarar
- Goddess: Thiruvudai Amman
The Thirumanangeeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Thiruvudai Amman, is in the village of Melur near Minjur town in the Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. This temple, also known as the Thiruvudai Amman Temple, is one of the three Shakti temples. Thiruvudai Amman is revered as Ichchaa Shakti, the goddess who fulfills the wishes of her devotees.
According to legend, a wealthy man discovered that his cow was pouring milk on a self-manifested Shiva Lingam in the forest daily. This act attracted a snake, which drank the milk and entered the lingam. The man covered the lingam and started worshipping it as Sugandha Vaneswarar. Over time, this deity came to be known as Thirumanangeeswarar. Devotees believe that visiting this temple every Monday evening gives the mind relaxation and a deep sense of inner peace.
Address: Arulmigu Thirumanangeeswarar - ThiruvudaiAmman Temple, Melur, Minjur town Thiruvallur – 601 203
Timing: Temple hours from 6:30 AM –12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
How to Reach: The temple is located in Melur, about 3 km from Minjur Railway Station near Chennai. From Chennai Central, take a suburban train to Minjur and then a shared auto to Melur.
Vadivudai Amman Temple
- Lord: Adhipureeswarar
- Goddess: Vadivudai Amman
The Vadivudai Amman Temple, located in Thiruvottiyur, Chennai, is another significant Shakti temple. In this temple, Lord Shiva is revered as Adhipureeswarar and Thyagaraja Swamy. The goddess Vadivudai Amman is worshipped as Gnana Shakti, the goddess who bestows wisdom and knowledge upon her devotees.
The temple was built by the Pallava king in the 7th century and was greatly expanded by the Chola kings in the 11th century is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is revered by the Devaram hymns of the Saiva Nayanars, the 7th-century Tamil saint poets, and is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam. Lord Shiva is worshipped in this temple in three main forms: formless, physical form, and indescribable form. The temple's goddess, Vadivudai Amman, is very powerful and is one of the three main goddesses of the Chennai region. The main shrine of the temple houses the large Shiva Lingam named Adi Pureeswarar. Devotees offer red sarees and jackfruit to the goddess as part of their worship. This temple is special for the Massi month Brahmostavam.
Address: Sannadhi Street, Tiruvottiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Timing: Temple hours from 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
How to Reach: The temple is situated about 7 km from Chennai Parry's Corner on Thiruvottiyur High Road, and approximately 2 km from the Thiruvottiyur Bus Stand, near the Theradi bus stop.
Kodiyidai Amman Temple
- Lord: Sri Masilamaneeswarar, Sri Paasupatheeswarar
- Goddess: Kodiyidai Nayagi ( Kodiyidai Amman)
The Masilamaniswara Temple, located in Thirumullaivoyal on the Chennai-Avadi road, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort goddess Kodiyidai Amman, known as Kriya Shakti, the goddess who assists in all our actions.
This temple is celebrated in the Devaram hymns and is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 275 significant Shiva temples. The hymns of Sundarar, Ramalinga Swamigal, and Arunagirinathar are associated with this temple.
In ancient times, the forest around Thirumullaivayil was ruled by the notorious Kurumbar tribesmen, Vaanan and Onan. King Thondaiman, seeking to end their reign of terror, marched his army through dense jasmine climbers. When his elephant got caught in the foliage, they discovered a bleeding Shiva Lingam hidden among the vines. Distressed by this accidental desecration, the king prayed for forgiveness.
Shiva and Parvati appeared, reassuring the king that Shiva would reside there as Masilamaniswara, meaning "Shiva as precious as a gem without stains." Shiva also promised to support the king in his battle against the Kurumbars by sending the Nandi bull. As a result, Nandi faces outward in this temple, ready for battle. So, in this temple, Nandi is positioned in a turned posture. The king, symbolizing victory, brought silver pillars from that location to construct the temple.
Panguni Uthiram is one of the most celebrated festivals at this temple. During this festival, the temple comes alive with devotional fervour as devotees participate in various rituals and ceremonies.
Address: Sri Masilamaneeswarar Temple, Thirumullaivoyal, Thiruvallur- 600 062.
Timing: Temple hours from 6: 30 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
How to Reach: The nearest railway stations are Ambattur and Avadi. Numerous MTC buses run along this route, and many share autos are also available to reach the temple.
Special Note: On a Friday that coincides with the full moon day (Pournami), observing a fast and worshipping Thiruvudai Amman in Melur in the morning, Vadivudai Amman in Thiruvottiyur at noon, and Kodiyidai Amman in Thirumullaivoyal in the evening is believed to offer the same spiritual benefits as a pilgrimage to Kashi and Rameswaram.
The Thiruvudai Amman, Vadivudai Amman, and Kodiyidai Amman temples are not just places of worship; they are sanctuaries of hope, beauty, and protection. Each temple, with its unique charm and divine presence, offers a spiritual retreat for devotees.