“Vembuli Amman protects the village from evil forces.” These words echo through generations. We are standing before the sacred Vembuliamman Kovil. This temple is a vibrant testament to faith and history. It stands as a guardian of the village. Vembuliamman Kovil is located mid-way between Ambattur Industrial Estate and Maduravoyal.
The Vembuliamman deity is a Grama Devathai. Grama Devathai is a village guarding deity. It is believed that Vembuli Amman protects the village. She protects it from evil forces. These forces might appear as spirits or diseases like smallpox. Therefore, Amman often appears ferocious. She has many hands holding weapons to destroy evil.
The original Vembuliamman Kovil may be 150 to 200 years old. It was reconstructed with bricks and cement in recent years. The temple faces east. A trance arch marks the north side. Amman sits on a pedestal. She holds a Trishul in her right hand.
In the praharam, you will find Nagars and Saptakannis. Vinayagar and Sri Valli Devasea Subramaniyars are also here. Kala Bairavar and Navagrahas complete the divine assembly. The sanctum sanctorum is raised about three feet. It consists of the sanctum itself. Then there is an Ardha mandapam and a Mukha mandapam. Stucco images of Amman’s forms adorn the mandapam. They also decorate the temple’s parapet wall.
Special poojas are held on Tuesdays and Fridays. Adi month Fridays are also significant. The annual festival is a grand affair. Sankata hara Chaturthi is celebrated here. Vinayagar Chaturthi and Skandar Sashti are important, too. In 2022, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar Thirukalyanam was celebrated. The Seervarisai started from Sri Vaikunta Perumal Temple of Nolambur.
The Vembuliamman Kovil opens its doors twice a day. You can visit from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM. The evening hours are from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Another Vembuli Amman Temple can be found on Harrington Road in Aminjikarai. Kolaathamman is considered Vembuli Amman’s elder sister there. In 1823, Visaka Venkatachalam donated to that temple’s renovation. He also helped excavate a tank. An old neem tree stood there for 250 to 300 years. It fell in 2004. A new sapling was planted. The trunk of the old tree is on display in the corridor.
Whether here in front of Vembuliamman Kovil or in Aminjikarai it is believed that Vembuli Amman was initially under a neem tree. She blesses devotees who pray with love. The earthen cooking stoves are a testament to her power. As we leave this sacred place remember Vembuli Amman’s protection. May her blessings be with you always.