The Neglected Jyestha Devi of Manimangalam

Manimangalam, a quaint locality nestled near Tambaram, itself a suburb of Chennai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, boasts a rich historical legacy. This unassuming place witnessed a significant event in history—the epic battle between Chalukya King Pulikesi and Pallava King Narasimha Pallava during the 7th century CE.

Among its few ancient temples, Manimangalam holds a unique relic—an image of Jyestha Devi, lying unadorned in a field near Dhanalakshmi Engineering College. This enigmatic deity lacks the grandeur of a temple structure or the presence of dedicated priests, yet the local villagers revere her as the Mother Goddess.

But who is Jyestha Devi? According to Hindu Puranas, she is the elder sister of Lakshmi, the deity of wealth worshipped in countless temples. Curiously, Jyestha Devi remains conspicuously absent from Vishnu temples and even her sister Lakshmi's abodes, save for a handful of temples in the Trichy-Tanjore region. Typically, Jyestha Devi finds her place outside Shiva temples or in a neglected corner within Shiva's temple enclosure.

Ancient Tamil poet Tiru Valluvar noted that wealth is essential in this world, a statement that seemingly applies not only to humans but also to deities. Regrettably, Jyestha is often deemed inauspicious and associated with misfortune. 

Thondaradi Podi Alwar, one of the twelve Alwars, reportedly denounced her worship in temples and is said to have played a role in her removal from these sacred precincts. However, this claim lacks concrete evidence, and intriguingly, this Alwar's birth star was Jyestha.

Regardless of the origins or reasons behind this practice, it is undeniable that many Shiva temples in northern Tamil Nadu have marginalized Jyestha Devi. Her icons are often found discarded near fields, on temple peripheries, or tucked away in neglected corners within temple complexes.

Yet, in the village of Manimangalam, opposite Dhanalakshmi Engineering College, a beautiful icon of Jyestha Devi persists. Accompanied by her two attendants, believed by some to be her children, Manthan and Agni, she stands in serene defiance. Nearby, scattered remnants of broken images, possibly representing Somaskanda and others, add to the mystique of this site.

One can cast her out of temples, but she can transform her new abode into a sanctuary. A temple is not defined solely by its architecture; it is the presence of the deity that matters most. Jyestha Devi thrives amidst open air and lush green fields, cherished by the pure-hearted villagers and heritage enthusiasts. Her legacy will endure as a timeless deity, unbounded by the confines of a traditional temple structure.

You can throw her out of the temple. But she can turn her new place into a temple. A temple is not the one which has structure, but the deity. She may not need a temple structure. The open air and the green fields are more beautiful than your architecture. She has got enough love from the innocent villagers and heritage enthusiasts. She will live long as the deity forever.

So, should you journey to Manimangalam, take a moment to meet Jyestha Devi, a deity of resilience and reverence. 

Happy travelling.