- Shakti
Gayatri Amman Temple
- Chidambaram,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
Gayatri Amman Temple is located in Chidambaram at Cuddalore District. The Prime Deity Gayatri seated on a lotus flower faces west, with five countenances and ten arms carrying weapons. She presents herself as the three aspects of Ambal.
About The Temple
Triple faceted Ambigai: Sage Viswamitra chanted the ‘Gayatri Mantra’ and was bestowed with the status of Brahmarishi. The form that appeared while chanting the mantra was imaged as Gayatri. She sits on a lotus flower and faces west, and has five countenances and ten arms carrying weapons. Near her foot is the ‘Sri Chakram’. The tradition is that she is ‘Gayatri’ in the morning, ‘Savitri’ in the noon and ‘Saraswathi’ in the evening. She represents the triple Lords and their Devis.
Full-moon day worship: Since Gayatri renders power to Sun, festival is conducted to her around the Full-moon day of the Simha month (Aavani) enjoyed by the Sun. On the Full-moon days, ‘Gayatri’ mantra is chanted 1008 times, fire-oblations (homam) are done and special poojas are performed. For the progression of children’s education, she is adorned with red-flower garland and offered vadai and paayasam. During Navarathiri ‘Lakshaarchanai’ and on the Vijayadasami day, ‘Parivettai’ event are celebrated.
Legend and Stories
A certain king went on pilgrimage to assuage his curse. On the way, a Brahmin met him and gave him all the good he received, granted by ‘Gayatri Mantra’. The king got rid of his curse. The happy king gave gifts to the Brahmin, who refused it and requested the king to build a temple for Gayatri. The king accordingly built a separate temple with Gayatri as the Prime Deity.
Festivals
During Navarathiri ‘Lakshaarchanai’ is performed. On the Vijayadasami day, ‘Parivettai’ event is celebrated.
How To Reach Gayatri Amman Temple
The Kanchithotti stop is the closest bus stop. The nearest railway station is in Chidambaram, and the closest airports are in Chennai and Trichy.
Temple Address
Gayatri Amman Temple,
N Main Rd, Chidambaram,
Tamil Nadu 608002.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- For children's education
Shlokas
Sarva Mangala Maangalye Sive Sarvaardha Saadhike, Saranye Tryambake Gauri Naarayani Namosthuthe
Meaning -We offer you our salutations, Oh auspicious Naraayani, who is the good of all good, who can achieve everything and can offer refuge, Oh three-eyed Gowri.
Saranaangatha Dheenaartha Parithraana Paraayane Sarvasyaarthi Hare Devi Naaraayani Namosthuthe
Meaning -We offer salutations to you, Oh Narayani, who has the infinite power of creating, preserving and destroying. You are the basis and epitome of the 3 gunas.
Sarvaroope Sarvese Sarvasakthi Samanvithe, Bhayebhyastrahi No Devi Durge Devi Namosthuthe
Meaning -I offer my salutations to you mother Durga, who is present in all beings and has all power, save us from all our wrongdoings O mother of the universe.
Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Shakthi Roopena Samsthita Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
Meaning -Salutations to the Goddess who resides as Shakti in all beings.
Timings
The temple is open between 9.00 am and 10.00 am and in the evening between 6’0 clock and 7.30.