In the vibrant culture of Hindu Spirituality, Karumari Amman stands as an inspiration of divine grace and protection. Karumari Amman, an incarnation of the universal mother goddess Parashakti, emerged to protect and nurture humanity. In the town of Thiruverkadu, Karumari Amman is worshipped as the principal and guardian goddess. Karumari Amman is venerated by millions of devotees across India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Her divine presence offers spiritual comfort and serves as a source of various benefits that enrich her devotees' lives.
The Story of Surya and Karumari Amman
Once, Devikarumari pretended to be an old forecasting woman and went to the powerful Sun to predict his future. Unaware of her identity as Devikarumari, Sun ignored her presence without a second thought. In an instant, Devikarumari vanished, leaving the Sun without his radiance, his splendour diminishing.
Realizing how serious his mistake was, Sun humbly requested Devikarumari for forgiveness and begged her for pardon. He asked for Sunday to be dedicated to Devikarumari in his plea. Moved by his sincerity, Devikarumari graciously accepted, and thus, Sunday became a day of celebration in her honour. A remarkable aspect of this tale is the divine phenomenon witnessed twice a year, during the months of Panguni and Purattasi.
Divine Vision
The revered temple of Karumari Amman in Thiruverkadu unveils a mesmerizing spectacle twice a year. At these moments, the alignment of the sun's rays to illuminate Devikarumari's head is interpreted as a divine confirmation of her presence and blessings. It is said that Sunday was designated as a day of celebration in her honour. Usually, Devotees visit the temple in Thiruverkadu on Fridays and Sundays.
Five Shaktis and Karumari Amman
Karumari Amman is worshipped as a combined manifestation of five divine energies: Parashakti, Adishakti, Icchashakti, Jnanashakti, and Kriyashakti. These energies represent the ultimate power, primal energy, will power, knowledge power, and action power, respectively. Through her, devotees connect with these profound aspects of the divine feminine. rewrite the sentences.
Deciption of Karumari Amman
Karumari Amman is depicted with a serene and compassionate face, radiating divine grace and benevolence. Her eyes are often shown as large and expressive, symbolizing her all-seeing nature and watchful protection over her devotees. In many depictions, Karumari Amman is shown with multiple arms, each holding different objects that symbolize her divine powers and attributes: Karumari Amman is often depicted with multiple arms, each holding objects that symbolize her divine powers and attributes. The trident (Trishula) signifies her power to destroy evil and protect her devotees. The lotus flower represents purity, spiritual enlightenment, and creation. The vase (Kalasha) of Amrita (nectar) symbolizes immortality and divine blessings. The sword represents her role as a fierce protector and the dispeller of ignorance and darkness.
At the feet of Karumari Amman, the head of Goddess Angala Paramesvari is depicted, symbolizing the takeover the ego. This powerful imagery teaches that to attain spiritual enlightenment, one must overcome the ego and the limitations it imposes on our thoughts and beliefs.
Significance of Karumari Amman
- Protector of Health: It believed as a guardian against diseases and epidemics, Karumari Amman's blessings were sought during ancient times to combat rampant illnesses like smallpox, ensuring protection and healing.
- Protection from Negative Energies: Karumari Amman is often invoked for protection against evil forces and negative energies. Devotees believe that her blessings create a protective shield around them, safeguarding them from harm.
- Embodiment of Compassion and Mercy: Karumari Amman symbolizes compassion and mercy, readily forgiving and blessing those who approach her with sincerity.
- Rain Goddess: In agrarian societies, where rain is crucial for survival, Karumari Amman is worshipped to bring timely and sufficient rainfall. This ensures the prosperity of crops and a stable water supply for communities.
Rituals and Worship
- Devotees present flowers, fruits, and specially prepared dishes to Karumari Amman, seeking her blessings for health, wealth, and happiness. The recitation of hymns and mantras dedicated to her forms an integral part of this worship.
- Temples dedicated to Karumari Amman, such as the renowned one in Thiruverkadu, host grand festivals, particularly during the Tamil month of Aadi. These celebrations feature vibrant processions, music, dance, and various rituals that honour and celebrate her divine presence.
- Women flock to temples to perform rituals, sing, dance, and prepare the nutritious ragi koozh (porridge) in large earthen pots. This prasadam is then distributed to devotees after prayers.
- Many devotees observe fasts on specific days to pay homage to Karumari Amman, believing that such practices earn them her divine grace and fulfil their heartfelt desires.
The story of Karumari Amman is a testament to the profound and nurturing power of the divine feminine. May the blessings of Karumari Amman guide and protect us always. Om Shakti!