Adi Parasakthi Temple

Overview

The deity of Goddess Sakthi is worshipped at the Adi Parasakthi Temple located at Melmaruvathur in Tamil Nadu. The temple is located 92kms away from Chennai, on National Highway 45. The temple dates back to 2000 years and is known to be the place where 21 Siddhars have their Jeeva Samadhi. The Siddhars include both men and women belonging to different religions. The region is considered sacred as a lady Siddhar resides here and blesses the devotees.

About the deity

In the Oracle of Adhiparasakthi, it has been declared that the Agama rules regarding the consecration and construction of different structures in a temple do not restrict her. As per a belief, the structures in Siddhar Peedam were constructed according to the holy orders of the Goddess. The temple’s structure does not comprise of Balipeedam (place of sacrifice), Vahanangal (the palanquin) and Kodimaram (Flag Post).

About The Temple

The temple is considered sacred as it is believed that the Goddess transformed herself into a human avatar named Arulthiru Bangaru Adigalar to provide solutions to the problems faced by the humans. The devotees called her ‘AMMA’ with respect and affection as it means mother in Tamil.

The temple is also known as ‘Siddhar Peedam’ as 21 Siddhars who were known for their highly evolved souls exist in this temple as Jeeva Samadhi. Jeeva Samadhi refers to the situation when the spirit leaves the mortal body but still lives in the astral plane. Due to this, the place is not considered as one of the Hindu Temples but welcomes the devotees from any and every religion. The temple is under the proclamation that ‘One Mother One Race’. The devotees are usually seen in red clothes as it symbolizes blood- something that is common in every human being irrespective of their religion, creed, race etc. The devotees, men or women conducted daily poojas or prayers in the temple and no specific priest is appointed in the Siddhar Peedam. The prayers are performed as per the procedures provided in the oracle given by Goddess Adhiparasakthi. Daily, an odd worshipping center, also known as Mandrams in Tamil is given the holy task of serving the temple.

The primary reason for the Goddess’s incarnation was to provide the women a divine place to practice spirituality. Due to this, women are given respect and utmost importance in all holy activities as well as festivals. Among the unique features of Siddhar Peedam, one does not restrict women to visit during their menstrual cycle or from performing the regular prayers. The Goddess believed that it would help the women progress in the society. Many of the female devotees have achieved the heights of spiritualism as they perform Kumbhabishekams, Archanas and Yagnas in the holy sanctum of Siddhar Peedam.

Legend and Stories

As per the legend, a neem true and a big snake mound stood at the place where the Siddhar Peeedam is currently consecrated. Once in 1960s, milk started oozing out of the Neem tree and the devotees from all the nearby villages visited to drink the sacred milk. It was identified that the sap of the tree was bitter but the milk tasted delicious. It was realized to be a cure for all the ailments and the devotees began believing in the holy power of the tree.

In 1966, a huge storm swept away the snake mound that existed under the tree. As the storm had created much havoc, the tree was also uprooted from wild winds. After this, a Swayambu emerged under the neem tree and it was realized that the milk had medicinal values because of the Swayambu. The temple’s sanctum is presently built at the same place and the Swayambu is located in front of the deity of Goddess Adhiparasakthi. In 1971, it was prophesied by Adigalar, the first oracle that the mother should be worshipped and known as Goddess Adhiparasakthi. The world will then go through a spiritual revolution due to which a new renaissance will begin.

The Swayamby was worshipped in initial years but then the deity of Goddess Adhiparasakthi was enshrined in the sanctum in 1977. The deity is 1 meter in height and is depicted as being seated on a thousand petal lotus seat with her left leg resting on the petal and right leg folded. The seat of thousand petals implies meditation and she can be seen holding a lotus in her right hand while her left hand is in the position of Chin Mudra. The Goddess’s hair is plaited and knotted upwards like a crown in the idol.

Accessibility

Airport

The Chennai International Airport is nearest to the temple. It is only 72kms away.

Railways

The Chengalpattu Railway Station is nearest to the temple. It is only 33kms away.

Road

Frequent bus service till the temple is available. The devotees can take a bus from Chennai till Melmaruvathur which is only 90kms away.

Temple Address

Adi Parasakthi Temple,
Tiruchi - Chennai Highway,
Melmaruvathur,
Tamil Nadu 603319.