Thillai Kali Amman Temple – A Must Visit Temple for Magha Nakshathira Starers !!
Next in our list of Nakshathira temples are the Poosam and Aayilyam. But we have already explored about these temples in our earlier Blogs. You can follow them on the Links given below.
Shri Abhivruddhi Nayaki sametha Shri Akshayapureeshwarar Temple – Poosa Nakshathira Temple
https://gosthala.com/akshayapureeshwarar-temple-a-must-visit-temple-on-the-day-of-akshaya-tritiya/
Karkadeshwara Temple – A Temple Auspicious for Aayilya Nakshathira
So, now we will explore about the temple that is considered auspicious for Magha Nakshathira starers. Magha Nakshathira is the 10th Star and the planet Ketu is considered as the Lord of this Nakashathira (Since Ketu is said to have born in Magha Nakshathira). It is generally said that the people who are born on Magha Nakshathira would be powerful, influential and capable of ruling the world. Sri Thillai Kali Temple that is located in Chidambaram, Cuddalore is considered as the temple auspicious for Magha Starers.
Chidambaram is also known by the name Thillai. Of the five dancing Sabhas of the Lord Nataraja, Chidambaram is the Kanaka Sabha and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Cosmic Dancer. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvathi are considered to be one (Saying goes ‘Shivan Illayel Sakthi Illai, Sakthi Illayel Shivan Illai !’ ). But the Goddess Parvathi was not convinced and she argued with Lord that Sakthi was more powerful than the Lord. Lord Shiva got angry by this argument and cursed Parvathi that she will get separated from Him and change as Ukra Kali ( A furious form of Kali). The Goddess Parvathi then realized Her mistake and begged the Lord for Vimochana (relief from the curse). Then Lord Shiva told that Shakthi in the form of Ukra Kali will destroy the demons and protect the Devas. He asked her to retain her anger as Kali till the time comes. As said by Lord Shiva, Devas and the sages were tortured by the Asuras. So they worshiped the Goddess Kali to save them. Kali killed the Asuras and saved the life of the Saints and the Devas. Then Goddess Kali performed sincere penance in order to join Lord Shiva. She continued her Tapas for many years in this place (Thillai / Chidambaram) but Lord Shiva did not grant her any Darshan.
She became angry again. She called Lord Shiva for a dance competition. She challenged the Lord that she will go to the outskirts of Thillai (Chidambaram) if she loses the competition. The contest started and both Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvathi danced equally well. At one point of time, Goddess was on the verge of winning. At that time, Lord Shiva made His earrings to fall down. Then He performed a dance named ‘Urdhva Thandava’ (lifting His feet High Up) and he took the earrings with His toes and placed it back in His ear. This form of Urdhva Thandava is a male posture and so the Goddess could not do this pose. So she accepted Her defeat. But at the same time, she was angry with Lord Shiva since He won the competition by doing a tricky pose. She was furious and went to the outskirts of Thillai and appeared as Thillai Kali or Ellai Kali. (Ellai – means outskirts). Lord Brahmma appeared there and he tried to pacify Goddess Kali. He praised the Goddess as Veda Nayaki and requested Her to calm down with Four Faces representing Four Vedas namely Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharvana. Goddess Kali listened to Brahmma’s prayers and appeared as Brahmma Chamundeshwari.
Goddess Brahmma Chamundeshwari graces Her devotees with Four Faces from a separate shrine facing West. She looks very calm and silent and is found in a standing posture. The most important significance of this temple is that this is the only Temple where we can see Lord Dakshinamoorthy in a female form. She is known by the name Sri Kadambavana Dakshina Rupini. We also have a separate shrine for Goddess Saraswathi and she is known as Veena Vidhyambika.
The main deity Thillai Kali is in a furious form and she faces the East. Special poojas and abishekam are done to the Goddess on Sundays. Nallennai Abishekam (Gingelly Oil bath) and Kumkuma Kappu (Dressed with Kumkum) are specially done for the Goddess. Also, Goddess will be draped with white clothes (Vastra) in order to make Her calm. It is also believed that the Goddess Kali will prevent the Married Women from becoming a widow by draping Herself with White Saree like a widow.
Thillai Kali Amman is said to be the controller of the Star Magha. So people belonging to the Magha star are advised to visit this temple regularly and perform Kumkum Archana to get the blessing of the Goddess Kali.
It is said that anyone who visits Chidambaram should not miss this temple. Any pilgrimage to Chidambaram will be considered to be complete only after visiting Thillai Kali Temple.
Stay Tuned for Pooram Star Temple !!
