Deivanai Amman - Sivagangai

Deivanai Amman is not associated with Shakthi, Lakshmi, or Saraswathi; she is an ordinary woman from Tamilnadu who was transformed into a goddess due to her remarkable virginity. Despite the surprising and unheard-of nature of this fact, she is worshipped by thousands of people with unwavering blind faith.

Deivanai Amman does not have a physical form, idol, sanctum, pedestal, or priests. She is a goddess of the common people and is believed to reside in a place called Paddaipu veedu. Only a piece of her pallu (mundhanai) is kept in the place of worship. She serves as the family deity for many individuals in Karaikudi. Although Deivanai Amman is formless, she is believed to possess incredible powers that can bring about significant changes in people's lives.

Location of Deivanai Amman:
The temple dedicated to Deivanai Amman is situated in Rayapuram near Ponnamaravathi (Sivagangai district).

Legend:
The legend of Deivanai Amman is a touching one. Many centuries ago, the Chettiyar community lived in the region in and around Puddukottai and were highly respected, almost on par with the royal family. Deivanai Amman was born to a couple from the Chettiyar community in Illaiyatrangudi. She grew up to be a beautiful and intelligent child. In those times, child marriages were common, and Deivanai was married off to a Chettiyar boy from Thevakottai at a young age. After reaching puberty, she went to live with her husband at her in-laws' house. Initially, everything was fine, but as time passed, the couple began to have disagreements and arguments. One day, during a heated argument, Deivanai expressed her desire to return to her parents' home. In a fit of anger, her husband told her to leave. With tears in her eyes, Deivanai sought the help of Karrupan, a cart driver, to take her back to her parents' house. Despite the societal norms that frowned upon married women staying at their parents' home without their husbands, Deivanai amman parents accepted her back.