In Samayapuram that is present in the state of Tamil Nadu is situated a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Durga or Shakthi. This Samayapuram is at a distance of 295 km from Chennai is known. The Mariamman temple of Samayapuram is visited by many devotees from all over. It is important to note that the main deity in this temple is made of clay and sand and as a result of this abhishekams would not be done on this main deity here.
It is believed that people visiting this temple would be cured of their diseases and these people buy small metallic replicas of their body parts and deposit in the hundial or donation box kept here.
Built in 18th century by King Vijayaraya Chakravarthi, this Mariamman temple in Samayapuram is amazing. It is important to note that on the last Sunday of’ Maasi’ month that is February- March, Goddess Mariamman undertakes hunger fast for 28 days for the sake of all beings present in this world. So during this time Goddess here is offered only tender coconut, orange juice, thullu maavu etc and no solid nivedhanas.
Abhishelams in the form of flowers is offered to this Goddess Mariamman for completing this fasting and this is called as ‘Poo Choridal’.
It is superb to note that this Goddess Mariamman temple is one of the biggest revenue earning temples and is next to the famous Palani based Lord Muruga temple in this aspect. Devotees visit this superb temple on Sundays, Tuesdays and on Fridays is known.
In the month of ‘Thai’, this temple gets huge visitors as the festival ‘Thai Poosam’ attracts them. Temple chariot procession is also very important here. It must be noted that during this chariot procession no vehicles would be allowed inside the town of Samayapuram.
People can visit this temple from morning 5 am to 11 am then in the evening from 4 pm till 8 pm.