India is home to countless sacred temples, each steeped in history and spiritual significance. Tamil Nadu, in particular, boasts numerous ancient temples, each with its own unique story and divine speciality.
Have you seen Goddess Parvati in her most fierce form, Kali? While each of the Goddess's manifestations has its own story, Kali's form is particularly unique. The Thillai Kali Amman Temple, located in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is a powerful spiritual center. This temple is unique because it features two forms of Kali: one fierce and the other calm and composed.
The Story Behind Thillai Kali Amman Temple
The Thillai Kali Amman temple is believed to have been built by the Chola kings. Inscriptions on the temple walls state that the current structure was constructed in the 13th century C.E. by Kadava Kopperunchingan, a local chieftain.
The origin of the Thillai Kali Amman Temple is deeply rooted in the legend of Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali. According to mythology, Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali engaged in a cosmic dance competition, known as the Ananda Tandava, in Chidambaram. The contest was held to determine who was superior in dance and divine power, with both performing powerful dance moves.
During the competition, Lord Shiva made his earrings fall and picked them up by performing the Urdhva Tandava, a celestial dance move that required lifting one leg high and fixing it in place. Out of modesty, Goddess Parvati hesitated to perform the same move and accepted defeat, leaving the contest. In anger, she manifested her ferocious form as Kali and moved to the outskirts of Chidambaram, filled with uncontrollable rage.
Realizing that the universe could not thrive with Goddess Parvati in such a fierce form, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu sought to calm her down. They recited the Vedas and praised her as “Vedha Nayaki”. Pleased by their devotion, Kali transformed into a benign form with four heads, resembling Brahma, and became known as Thillai Amman (Mother of Thillai) or Brahma Chamundeeswari. The Thillai Kali Amman Temple marks the sacred site where she took this divine form, signifying her transformation from rage to tranquillity.
The temple inscriptions mention Kali by various names, including Pidariyar, Thillai Vanam Udaya Parameshwari, and Thillai Thiruchitrambala Mahakali.
Specialization of the Temple
The Thillai Kali Amman Temple is known for several unique aspects that make it a must-visit spiritual destination:
1. The Idol of Goddess Kali
The temple has two main shrines: one features the goddess in her serene, four-faced form as Brahma Chamundeeswari, facing west, while the other showcases her fierce manifestation as Thillai Kali, facing east.
2. Connection with the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
The Thillai Kali Amman Temple is deeply connected to the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. Devotees believe that a pilgrimage to Chidambaram is incomplete without visiting both temples, as they represent the harmony between Shiva’s cosmic dance and Shakti’s divine energy. It is traditionally believed that one should visit the Thillai Kali Amman Temple before proceeding to the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple.
3. Other Deities
This temple also houses a shrine for Dakshinamurthy, a form of Lord Shiva, depicted uniquely as Kadambavana Dhakshina Rupini. Additionally, it features shrines for Vinayaka and Saraswathi, worshipped as Veenai Vidhyambikai.
Temple Beliefs and Significance
1.Navagraha
There is no Navagraha shrine in this temple, as Durgai Amman is regarded as the deity of Rahu Kalam. The pooja for Kali is performed during Rahu Kalam.
2. Relief from Negative Energies
Devotees believe that worshipping at this temple helps remove negative energies, black magic, and evil spirits. Many visit to seek protection and strength from the Goddess.
3. Daily ritual
Everyday, Kali is ritually bathed with gingelly oil and vermilion and then covered with a white cloth. The idol is coated with vermilion powder, leaving only the eyes visible, as her fierce form is not meant to be fully seen.
4. Power of Kali
The leg of the fierce Kali deity is bound with a large chain. It is believed that this form of Kali, in her most intense rage, has the power to destroy the world, which is why her leg is restrained with the chain.
Festivals and Celebration
- The most famous festival at this temple is the Vaikasi Thiruvizha, which is celebrated for 13 days during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (mid-May to mid-June).
- This festival aligns with the Full Moon (Pournami) and New Moon (Amavasai). During this time, special poojas are conducted in honour of the Goddess Thillai Kali.
- Navaratri and Aadi month are specially celebrated for Goddess Kali.
Location: ArulmiguThillai Kali Amman Temple, Chidambaram – 608 001, Cuddalore District.
Temple Timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM