Kulasekarapattinam Mutharamman Temple

The Mutharamman Temple, located in Kulasekarapattinam, Thiruchendur of Tuticorin district, reveres Goddess Mutharamman and Swami Gnanamoorthiswaran. One of its distinguishing features is the unique combined vigraham (idol) of the Goddess and Lord within the sanctum sanctorum, unparalleled elsewhere. Legend tells of a self-manifested Swayambhu Lingam, with the Goddess instructing a sculptor in his dreams to craft her idol and await an archaka-priest from Kulasai. This priest, also guided by the Goddess in his dreams, installed the idol near the Lingam. The temple encompasses three mandapams: Artha Mandapam adjacent to the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), Maha Mandapam, and Kodi Mandapam.

Situated in Kulasekarapattinam, the town's name originates from the reign of King Kulasekarapandian, who, after a divine encounter with Goddess Mutharamman, named the town in his honor.

Legend recounts Saint Agathiyar cursing Saint Varamuni to assume a buffalo head, becoming Magisasuran. Gaining immense power through relentless tapas (meditation), Magisasuran threatened the world. Seeking Goddess's intervention, a group of saints received Lalithambigai, a miraculous infant girl who matured within nine days. Navaratri, celebrated for nine nights, culminates in Dussehra, commemorating the Goddess's triumph over Magisasuran, a pivotal event observed with fervor at the temple.

Major Festivals:
The ten-day Dussehra festival during the Avani month (August-September) garners immense devotion, drawing millions to Kulasekarapattinam. The festival's climax features a dramatic portrayal of Magisasura Mardini's victory over Magisasuran on the shores. Other notable festivals include Maha Shivaratri and Raghu Pooja.

Temple Timings:
Worship hours are from 6:00 am to 11:00 am in the morning and from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm in the evening.

How to Reach:
By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 163 km away, offers flights from major Indian cities and abroad. From there, taxis or government buses are available to Kulasekarapattinam.
By Rail: Tuticorin Railway Station is the nearest, with buses connecting to Kulasekarapattinam (42 km away) from various Tamil Nadu cities.
By Road: Buses to Tuticorin from all over Tamil Nadu are accessible, followed by a local bus to Kulasekarapattinam.