“Chennai is about to be saved by Kamsa!” a worried messenger cried. Today we find ourselves before the sacred Periyapalayathamman Koil. This temple stands as a testament to faith and history. It is located about 40km north of Chennai in the village Periyapalayam.
The story of Periyapalayathamman Koil is deeply intertwined with the tale of Lord Krishna. The Goddess Sri Bhavani Amman is linked to Lord Krishna. King Kamsa imprisoned his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudev. Kamsa killed their first seven children. When Krishna was born, Vasudeva exchanged him with another baby to save him. Kamsa tried to kill the eighth baby, who was Goddess Bhavani Amman. She then appeared and prophesied Kamsa would be killed by a baby in another place.
Here at Periyapalayathamman Koil, you will see the self-originated idol of Goddess Bhavani Amman. The idol called Swambhu is covered with kavacham. Many first-time visitors are surprised by another idol. This second idol depicts Goddess Bhavani Amman in a sitting position with four hands behind the Swambhu idol. Look closely to see the five-headed snake above the Goddess’s head.
Devotees come to Periyapalayathamman Koil to offer various types of prayers. They perform veppanselai prathana, adithandha prathana, and thalisaradhu prathana. The month of Aadi is particularly special here. Thousands of devotees flock to Periyapalayathamman Koil for darshan of the Goddess Sri Bhavani Amman. This temple is situated on the banks of the Arani river.
Periyapalayathamman Koil is open from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and again from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM. On Sundays, the temple is open all day from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. As you leave Periyapalayathamman Koil, reflect on the story of devotion and divine intervention. May the blessings of Sri Bhavani Amman be with you always.