Masani Amman Temple, Anaimalai

Masani Amman temple is at Anaimalai near Pollachi. It is a unique temple built on a cremation ground and the sanctum of the Goddess. The temple is located against the backdrop of the Anaimalai hills at the confluence of the Aliyar River. The locals called the Goddess Masani Amman, and later, it became the name of the temple. She is one of the most unique Goddesses. 

Architecture

The temple faces north and has a five-tiered Raja Gopuram (Temple Tower) next to a fenced-in stone Dwajasthambam (Flag Staff). The temple also has shrines for Goddess Pechiamman, Kumba Muneeswarar, Karupparayar, Bhuvaneshwari, Bhairavar, Mahishasuramardhini, and Sapta Matrikas.

The Goddess’s presiding deity is seventeen feet long. She is depicted in a sleeping position, with her head in the eastern direction and her feet facing the western direction. This is a unique form of Amman. The idol of the demon Makudasuran can be seen at the deity’s feet, and Nadukal can be seen in front of her.

The beautifully painted deity is reclining, with her head facing skywards. In her four hands, she holds a skull, a serpent, a dagger in the form of a trident, and a Udukkai(an hourglass-shaped drum). 

Legend

One of the most famous legends is about an asura named Magadasuran. He tortured and harassed the village people and kept them as his slaves. His atrocities were beyond all limits, and a priest created a Yaha. Using Manennai (Kerosene) from the cremation ground, he lit the lamp. The Goddess arose from this lamp in the form of Light and annihilated the asura. From then on, the villagers hailed her as the Goddess of Justice.

The Vedas also mention Goddess Masani Amman. Another legend is that Goddess Maha Shakti arose from the cremation ground and blessed Sri Rama to overcome Ravana and rescue Sita Devi.

 Yet another legend speaks about the king of Kongu Nadu, Kootru Nannan, who had a mango grove in this area. He had an incredible love for mangoes and refused to share them with anyone else. He became furious if anyone ate the mangoes in his grove. 

One day, he was plucking mangoes from his grove when one mango slipped from his hand and fell into the river. A group of young girls were swimming in the Aliyar River. A little girl saw the mango fall into the river and consumed the fruit without knowing the severe measures. The little girl pleaded for mercy, but the furious king was merciless and executed her without remorse. 

Enraged, the villagers killed the king in a battle near Vijayamangalam. The villagers cremated the girl in the graveyard near the Aliyar river and later built her a shrine. As the girl was in a crematorium (Mayanam) in a reclining position (Sayana), they called her Mayana Sayani Amman. Later, the name became Masani Amman.

Puranic Significance

According to legend, Sage Vishwamitra decided to perform penance in the mountains of Kadaganachi. He heard about a demon named Tataka harassing locals and sages in the area. Feeling the demon may trouble him, he called upon King Dasharatha and asked his sons, Sri Rama and Lakshmana, to accompany him and guard his penance.

Upon reaching the mountain, the brothers created an idol of Masani Amman and offered worship to bless them with strength and courage to overcome the demon. The Goddess appeared before them and granted them the boon. She asked them to destroy her idol once they accomplished their purpose, but Sri Rama refused, saying it would protect the people in the region.

Sri Rama, on his way to rescue Sita Devi, is believed to have stayed at this graveyard in Anaimalai. He came to know about the Divine presence of Masani Amman and built an idol in a reclining position with sand from the graveyard. He offered her worship, seeking victory over Lanka king Ravana. Pleased with his penance, Goddess Masani Amman appeared before him and gave him her blessings. 

Significance of the Temple

This temple serves as a Court of Justice for those who lost their belongings and property through others’ injustice, and enemies can seek justice here. There is a unique stone called Neethi Kal (Stone of Justice) on the western side of the temple, resembling a Linga, where devotees grind red chillies to a paste and smear it on the stone, praying for their problems to be resolved and for their enemies to be punished. Devotees also offer Masani Amman mud statues here to seek timely marriage.

Blessings

Devotees worship the Goddess and seek peace and solace. The Goddess grants them justice, punishes evil-doers, and protects the vulnerable people. She resolves all their problems. People offer prayers for the safety of their children and protection from witchcraft. There is a widespread belief that the Goddess grants relief from illness if they circumambulate her trident. The temple offers a Prasad called Pachilam Marundu, which women consume and tie a black thread on their hands to realise their prayers.

Devotees write their grievances and place them in the hands of the Goddess. They get relief in 90 days. She grants relief to girls suffering from puberty issues, gives children a boon, ensures safe delivery for expectant mothers, and removes worries and anxiety.

Festivals

The temple celebrates the annual Kundam (Brahmotsavam) festival with pomp and splendour in the Thai month. The temple celebrates the flag-hoisting ceremony on the New Moon of the Tamil month. 

The most phenomenal festival celebrated here is the Mayana Pooja, which falls in the month of February-March and is celebrated on the night of Maha Shivaratri. Mayana refers to the burial ground. They observe the chariot festival on the 16th day and prepare the Kundam (Fire Pit) at 10:00 pm on the same day. They lower the flag on the 18th day and perform the Mahamuni Pooja. 

 On this day, the people observe a festival called Elumbukkadi on the banks of the river Nayyal for Goddess Angala Amman. The deity is revered as the guardian angel of Masani Amman. After this ritual, Goddess Angala Amman is taken back to her sanctum and worshipped. The temple observes Tamil New Year, Vaikasi Visakam, Adi Perukku, Vinata Chaturthi, Deepawali, Margazhi Dhanur Pooja, Navratri, Karthigai Deepam, and Chithirai Kani.

Timings:

06:00 am – 12:00 pm

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Connectivity

By Road– The nearest is Coimbatore Bus Stand from the temple.

By Rail– Pollachi Junction is the nearest railway station to the temple.

By Air– The Coimbatore airport is the nearest to the temple at a distance of 65 kilometres.