Anbil Mari Amman Temple

Anbil, situated near Lalgudi town in the Tamil Nadu state of India, rests about 8 kilometers away from Lalgudi. Within this village, two ancient and significant temples hold their place. The first is the revered Devara Sthalam known as Alanthurai Temple. The second is the Divya Desam, Sundara Raja Perumal Temple. Yet, it is the Mari Amman Temple that draws the largest throng of devotees. This article embarks on an exploration of this very temple.

Amongst the trio of significant temples in Anbil village, the Anbil Mari Amman Temple claims its fame as the most frequented by devotees. Within all of India, seven Mari Amman Temples stand out as paramount, and this temple claims its spot among them. Other notable Mari Amman Temples are situated in Samayapuram, Narthana Malai, Veera Singa Pettai, Kannanur, Punnai Nallur, and Tiruverkadu.

The origins of this temple, including its builder and construction date, remain veiled in mystery. However, local beliefs attribute its creation to King Muthalagan around 700 years ago. Prior to its establishment, the idol rested beneath a neem tree without a formal temple structure. Despite the present temple's architecture suggesting an age of 300-400 years, historical records are silent about its exact origin.

At the temple's east-facing sanctum, a five-foot-tall stucco image of Maha Mari Amman graces the space. Adorned in red, she sits in a meditative posture, boasting eight arms. It's plausible that Ashtha Bhuja Durga might have been synonymously revered as Mari Amman within this temple. The sanctum's stone walls and intricate vimana suggest the temple's antiquity must be a few hundred years old. Within the sanctum, a Shiv Linga also finds its place.

Adjacent to the sanctum, a cluster of 6-7 small sub-shrines houses male Grama Devtas (village deities). A statue of a horse alongside a uniformed man gazes toward the sanctum, adding to the temple's intriguing surroundings.

Happy travelling.