The air crackles with anticipation. Here at the Arulmigu Muthumariamman Temple in Poonamallee Chennai Goddess Muthumari Amman awaits. She is an incarnation of Goddess Sakthi.
This temple is a cherished village deity. Locals hold it in high regard. It is believed to be older than the nearby Vaitheeswaran Temple. Though small it is a place of profound devotion.
Initially only a facial idol faced south inside the temple. Years later a bigger idol was installed. This new Muthumariamman idol is made of dazzling black stone. It stands behind the original idol. An idol of Goddess Selliamman resides in the sanctum too. Dwara Baalakis stand guard at the entrance.
Facing the Moolasthanam you will see a Simha Vaahanam. A Bali Peedam and a Trident are also visible. Near the sanctum a huge Peepal Tree stands. A divine cloth is tied around it. Beneath the sacred tree are two Nagathamman idols. On the tree’s other side an Amman idol stands. It is next to the Puthu. Turmeric and Kumkum adorn the Puthu. People consider this place divine. Devotees offer Pongal to Goddess Muthumariamman nearby.
At the temple’s rear is an east-facing sub shrine. Goddess Vembuli Amman occupies the centre. Ganapathy and Murugan flank her. The Moolasthanam’s Gopuram is gorgeously painted. It displays various idols of Goddess Sakthi. Around the Moolasthanam are idols of Sri Angalamman. Also present are Sri Durgai Amman and Sri Devi Karumariamman. The multi pillared Mandapam’s roof is brightly painted too.
The Arulmigu Muthumariamman Temple has a lamp stand. Devotees light oil lamps for the Goddess. A waist-high compound wall surrounds the temple. It features an iron grill gate. This temple attracts many devotees. They come from Poonamallee and surrounding areas. They visit especially during the Tamil Aadi month. Auspicious days also draw crowds.
Thambiah is the Temple Poojari. His devotion and sincerity are noteworthy. You can feel the decades of history here. It is a small private temple. Yet it resonates with deep faith. Stepping into the Arulmigu Muthumariamman Temple is like entering a world of vibrant devotion. The Goddess’s presence is palpable. The colourful idols tell tales of ancient beliefs. The scent of incense fills the air. It creates a sensory experience that is both calming and uplifting.