The Punnainallur Mariamman Temple near Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu is one of the most renowned shrines dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, a powerful manifestation of Goddess Parvati, Durga or Kaali. The temple, located about 7 to 8 kilometers east of Thanjavur on the Thanjavur–Nagapattinam main road, is visited by thousands of devotees every week, particularly on Sundays and auspicious occasions. Worship of Mariamman is deeply rooted in Tamil Nadu, cutting across caste distinctions, and in villages, her shrine is often the central part of community life. Among the many Mariamman temples across the state, such as Samayapuram Mariamman near Tiruchirappalli, Kootai Mariamman in Salem, and Mangadu Amman in Chennai, Punnainallur stands out as equally significant.
 |
| Punnainallur Mariamman temple,Thanjavur tripadvisor.in |
Above image; Famous Mariamman temple, Punnai Nallur, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Main entrance tower, on the Thanjai - Nagai main road, next to Samayanallur Mariamman kovil near Tiruchirapalli this shakti temple under
Thanjavur Aranmanai Samsthanam is quite popular.
........ |
| idol Mariamman temple near Thanjavur,TN. |
The origin of this temple is associated with the Thanjavur Maratha ruler Venkoji Maharaja, the half-brother of the great Maratha king Shivaji. During his reign in the late 17th century, Venkoji visited Samayapuram Amman temple and spent a night there. In a dream, the goddess appeared before him and directed him to go to a spot called Punnaikkadu, east of Thanjavur, where she wished to be worshipped. Following this vision, Venkoji traveled there and discovered an idol of the goddess near a molehill. He immediately arranged for a simple shelter to be built over it and named the place Punnai Nallur, after the abundance of Punnai trees in the area. To ensure that rituals and temple activities were sustained, he granted the entire village to the temple, setting the foundation for its future prosperity.
 |
| Mariamman temple,Thanjavur threads.com |
 |
entrance Mariamman temple,Thanjavur,TN.
en.wikipedia.org
|
Above images: Famous Mariamman temple, Punnai Nallur.entrance to the temple, the masonry building and ceiling supported by large pillars and high curved ceiling in Maratha style design. Many people criticize the laying of tiles on the floor in an old temple, spoiling its heritage aspects..
..... |
|
The temple architecture reflects Maratha influence, with pillared mandapams and ornate masonry work. However, some modern renovations such as the laying of tiles have been criticized by heritage enthusiasts for diminishing the temple’s historic appeal. Nevertheless, the spiritual significance of the temple continues to overshadow such concerns. The presiding deity, believed to have emerged from the molehill, is revered as highly powerful and benevolent. The installation of the deity according to Agama Sastras was carried out by the saint and philosopher Sadasiva Brahmendra in the 18th century. He was a renowned Advaita scholar, Carnatic composer, and mystic from the Kumbakonam region, and his involvement added sanctity to the shrine. He was from the Telugu Brahmin community and was the one who installed the deity at this temple as per Agama Sastras. I understand there is a samadhi near, Karur town, TN which is famous there.
 |
Sadasiva Brahmendral guruvenkatasubramanian.
blogspot.com |
Devotional practices at Punnainallur are diverse and deeply traditional. Tonsuring of children, ear-piercing ceremonies, and the offering of hair are common vows made by devotees. The Paal Kudam ritual, in which men and women carry pots of milk on their heads and walk barefoot to the temple from Thanjavur city, is an iconic observance, especially during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April–May). This practice often draws more than a thousand participants at a time, despite the harsh summer heat, and culminates with annadhanam, the serving of free meals to thousands without any caste distinction
 |
Late President Pranab Mukerji at Maariamman temple
July 2014 commons.wikimedia.org
|
|
The temple continues to attract devotees not only from Tamil Nadu but also from other parts of India. In recent decades, its significance was highlighted when leaders such as former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, visited the shrine. Even today, the temple remains under the Thanjavur Aranmanai Samsthanam and functions as both a religious center and a cultural symbol of Maratha patronage in Tamil Nadu. Deeply associated with faith, vows, and fulfillment of prayers, Punnainallur Mariamman Temple stands as a remarkable blend of history, devotion, and living tradition.
