Pittarapuraththi Amman - the Guardian Goddess of Tirunelveli

Standing at a towering six feet with eight formidable arms, she embodies ferocity and commands awe – the Ugra Devi. The mere sight of her within the confines of her temple sends shivers down our spines. Known as Pittarapuraththi Amman, she is the guardian of Tirunelveli city's northern flank. While once thought to reside within the Nellaiyappar temple complex, she has found her abode in a distinct temple for countless centuries. This sacred site rests approximately one kilometer to the northwest of the Nellaiyappar temple.

Referred to as Puttaththi Amman as well, she is seated upon a pedestal, with her right leg elegantly placed while her left leg dangles freely. Adorning her head are representations of the Sun and Moon. Among her three right arms, she holds a serpent, Vedalam (a Betal or genie), and a dagger. Her uppermost right arm brandishes a trishula, which pierces the body of an Asura sprawled beneath her feet. In her left arms, she wields fire (Agni), a bell (ghanta), a shield, and a kapala (skull cup).Her magnificence is of such grandeur that her form extends noticeably beyond the threshold.

Vadakku Vaasal Selvi, Nellai Maak Kali, and Shenbaga Selvi are among her various appellations. Uma gave rise to Durga, who in turn brought forth Puttarapuraththi Amman. According to the legend, none could conquer the Asura siblings, Sumbha and Nisumbha. The Devas implored Parvati for assistance. In response, she birthed Durga and entrusted her with the mission of vanquishing these Asuras. Durga, in a sequence, brought forth Puttarapuraththi Amman. Assisting Durga, Puttarapuraththi Amman eradicated Chandan and Mundan. This act has led to her being referred to as Chamundi. As guided by Durga's directive, she continued her presence at this sacred site, diligently safeguarding the city's northern direction.

Pittu, also known as Puttu, takes the form of a rice pudding, and uniquely, it is bestowed as prasad within this temple. This Ammai, being the guardian deity at the border of Tirunelveli city, holds a distinctive position. The renowned Ani festival of the Nellaiappar temple commences only after the initial festival dedicated to her in the month of Vaikasi. She is venerated as a healer of childhood illnesses and afflictions. The practice of sprinkling holy water (tirtha) on devotees' faces during the mornings and evenings has gained significant popularity among the local populace. It is believed to possess the power to dispel malevolent forces.

Within this temple, an ancient and worn sculpture of Ganesha can be discovered, referred to by the locals as "Aghora Ganapati". Legend has it that during the invasion by Malik Kafur, this sculpture was disassembled. A Ganapati depiction lacking arms and legs was separated from the temple in accordance with customary practices. However, in response to a directive supposedly conveyed by Ganesha himself through a dream experienced by the temple authorities, the sculpture was subsequently reinstated within the temple precincts.

For those inclined to delve into the intricacies of village deity iconography, this temple serves as a treasure trove of insights, showcasing a multitude of these representations. Among them stands Chudar Madan, a figure distinctively recognizable by certain traits. When a deity is accompanied by a pontiff, they can be identified as either Chudar Madan or Karuppu Swami. In contrast, if adorned with a makuta, they assume the identity of Mada Swami. As for the enigmatic entity with an elephant's head, it is not Ganapati, but rather Brahma Rakshasa. Alongside, there exists a village Goddess named Brahma Raksasi, bearing the countenance of a boar, as well as a Minnadi deity with a monkey visage. The assemblage also includes Sapta Kanyas and Sapta Matas, a collective of 14 Goddesses. Additionally, the widely revered Grama Devta, Peichi Amman, stands prominently, her four arms poised gracefully.

Within the temple's expanse, additional deities grace the Maha mandapa and Mukha mandapa. These include Ganesha, Nellaiyappar, Kantimati, Nandi, Astra Devi, Sribali Amman, Surbamanya-Valli-Devasena, and Bhairava. Additionally, the bronze figures of four-armed Puttaththi Amman and Subramanya-Valli-Devasena also occupy their place.

Notably, Vedalam (Betal) assumes a fearsome form, standing in the vahana mandapa with exposed breasts, facing the principal deity. Diverging from the convention of Parvati or Uma, who are accompanied by Nandi or Simha (lion) as their respective vahanas, the village Goddesses of Tirunelveli opt for Vedalam as their vahana.

In the frontal hall, an array of captivating paintings depicting various goddesses from numerous temples adorn the space. Furthermore, the outer prakara encompasses shrines dedicated to Ganesha and Sudalai Mada Swami.

Happy travelling.